Franschhoek Tatler - March 2018

March 2018

FRANSCHHOEK Scan the QR code to read the Tatler online

Making principals into managers

Olive Oil Savant

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Page 6

Q&A David & Jenny Hoffman Page 18

Mayor: Help defeat the water challenge

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Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer

Residents must make every effort to collect and recycle grey water and to limit their use of potable (drinkable) water as much as possible.

Mayor van Deventer concludes: “Judged on the present water usage and supply, Stellenbosch Municipality is confident it will be able to provide for the most basic water needs of our residents.

Co-operation is however critical and every person must take up the challenge to save and recycle water wherever possible. Water will however be very scarce and there will be no room for any waste or exceeding the water restrictions.

“Let us join hands and together face this difficult situation. Working together we can overcome this challenge.”

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The official fire season, which started on 1 November 2017, has been a proverbial mixed bag so far. This is according to Ashley Bauer, Manager of the Franschhoek Ward of the Winelands Fire Protection Association (WFPA).

The season got off to a good start with only 12 fires reported in November 2017 – five fewer than the previous season. December 2017 saw nine fires; the same number as the previous year. January 2018 saw an increase of three fires over the previous year, while February 2018 saw an increase of five. In total 42 veld and vegetation fires have been attended to by the fire services and WFPA members.

Landowners and the WFPA undertook a lot of preseason preparation, including fire load reduction in the valley, the implementation of a strategic fire break and further training, all of which is bearing fruit as the fire season progresses.

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had emerged, with 60% of the reported fires taking place in the Wemmershoek area, including the Stellenbosch Conservation Area, Berg River Dam Area, land surrounding Wemmershoek Primary School and the Wemmershoek Wetland Area.

“While none of these fires involved a direct threat to life or property the financial and environmental impact is considerable.”

By mid-February there had only been one major fire in the Franschhoek ward – the St Croix fire on Tuesday, 9 January 2018. Approximately 150 ha were burnt in this incident. Services from Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Cape Winelands District, Correctional Services, contracted fire teams, WFPA members and two helicopters were required to extinguish this fire.

Services remained on scene throughout the following night and into the next day to secure the burn area and make it safe.

Continued on page 2...

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The Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch, Adv Gesie van Deventer, announced on Valentine’s Day that Stellenbosch was following Cape Town’s example and was moving to Level 6B water restrictions – effective from 19 February 2018. This means that residents are restricted to 50 litres of water per person per day, or 6kl per household of four persons per month, until further notice.

The mayor said that “The Greater Stellenbosch has achieved a saving of 44% compared with 2015. This water consumption needs to be reduced further in relation to the 2015 baseline usage to achieve a saving of 45%.”

In June 2017 the Stellenbosch Municipal Council approved a Drought Management Plan. This plan made R45 million available for the sourcing of additional groundwater and purification plants for boreholes.

By mid-February the municipality had already sourced 18 000 kilolitres of water per day and is planning to add an additional 6000 kilolitre per day.

As more boreholes are connected to the main water supply system, Stellenbosch Municipality’s water dependence on the City of Cape Town’s sources (Wemmershoek and Theewaterskloof Dams) will decrease significantly.

By the end of March 2018, the municipality will take Klapmuts, Franschhoek and Dwarsrivier, (including Pniel, Kylemore, Johannesdal and Lynquedoc), off the Wemmershoek supply system and connect it to its own system fed from boreholes, freeing up water for the City.

The municipality is also working closely with the University of Stellenbosch to ensure that the students are aware of the water restrictions. The university has launched water saving schemes, which should drastically reduce its water consumption.

The municipality urges all residents to give their full co-operation in this matter. Residents who do not adhere to the restrictions will face hefty fines.

2 | March 2018

Akademie Street named world’s best boutique hotel

Leeu House recognised in TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2018 awards

Leeu House in Huguenot Street

Leeu House has been named the top rated hotel in the Cape Winelands and the fourth best property in South Africa in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2018 “Top 25 Luxury Hotels – South Africa” category, as well as the 13th best hotel in the “Top 25 Luxury Hotels – Africa” division, where it finds itself in distinguished company.

Leeu House, an exclusive 5-star, 12-bedroom boutique hotel that only opened in December 2015, is an oasis of comfort and luxury. Its appeal lies in the fact that although it feels like a country guesthouse, it is situated on the main road of vibrant Franschhoek, within easy strolling distance of award-winning restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, as well as the village’s many other attractions.

One recent TripAdvisor visitor to Leeu House commented, “Fabulous … This hotel does everything in style along with the rest of the Leeu Collection”, while another said, “Leeu House has a nice

Designer furniture and original art decorate the guest rooms

Akademie Street Boutique Hotel has been announced as the World’s Best Boutique Hotel 2017.

The announcement took place at the World Boutique Hotel Association’s annual awards ceremony in Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London. The event brought together an array of niche hotel owners, travel and lifestyle press, as well as travel industry influencers from all four corners of the world.

Hotel owner, Paul Kinney, received the top award of the night from this year’s keynote speaker, Wladimir Klitschko, two-time world champion boxer and newly turned boutique hotelier. Paul acknowledged being humbled by the recognition of their business, “I’m honoured to accept this award amongst a family of hotel owners who are committed to providing an extraordinary experience for their guests. On behalf of all our team in South Africa, we’re grateful to be here and are inspired to be as different and unique, as you all are.”

Akademie Street was selected from over 600 nominees in over 80 countries. With several of South Africa’s top restaurants on its doorstep, Akademie Street has eight themed suites, five private buildings and four heated pools. Judges praised the

hotel’s characterful buildings, stunning Orangerie and carefully curated furniture and collectibles from world famous designers. The judges commended the hotel’s dedication to detail in every aspect; from the sumptuous breakfast made using ingredients sourced from local food artisans to the evening piano recitals, during cocktail and wine hour. Above all, the Awards look for hotels whose staff deliver emotional warmth to guests without compromising a world-class level of service. Akademie Street Boutique Hotel, they said, perfected this balance.

The World Boutique Hotel Awards is the first and only international awards organisation exclusively dedicated to recognising excellence among boutique hotels. The awards ceremony, now in its seventh year prides itself on recognising trailblazing hotels that give a unique personal touch. What makes these evaluations unique is that each property is visited by an expert judge; ensuring nominations are based on first-hand experience of dining and entertainment, design, facilities, location, service and overall emotional impact. www.aka.co.za | 082 517 0405

Fremco Trust supports agri students

Photo: Full Stop Communications

SA pair seal TransCape MTB title

Transcape MTB Encounter winners HB Kruger (left) and Stuart Marais (right) with Eldorette Carinus, GM of La Couronne Wine Estate, where the race finished.

After a dominant week, South Africans HB Kruger and Stuart Marais were crowned overall winners of the Liberty TransCape MTB Encounter, which concluded in Franschhoek on Saturday, 10 February 2018.

The ASG-Ellsworth pair set the pace in the UCI Men’s category from the start of the 73km final stage between Houwhoek and La Couronne Wine Estate to add a sixth stage victory to their tally.

In the final stage, the French-German team of Antonin Marecaille and Julian Biefang (ChiruMagura-Canyon) were second, followed by Hanco Kachelhoffer and Pieter Seyffert (Ellsworth-ASG).

Kruger and Marais took the lead on the opening day and never looked back as they went about their business – completing the seven-day race in 19:32:36.

In their debut in the race, they finished comfortably ahead of Eirik Fiskvik and Thomas Engelsgjerd of Norway (20:19:02) and Marecaille and Biefang (20:44:00).

The Paarl-based Kruger said claiming the title in the 614km race was immensely satisfying. “We came in with the big goal to win the race so we were very happy with the way it turned out,” he said. “Getting the stage wins were a bonus. “Luckily Stuart and I clicked well. We got a good partnership going and we really enjoyed riding together.”

Kruger said the block of riding in the TransCape,

which is supported by STANLIB and Volvo Cars, had fitted in perfectly with his programme for the year. “There’s a different dynamic to the TransCape because it gives you an excellent test while preparing you for the other big events.”

Marais, from Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, explained they had decided to go hard from the start of the ultimate stage, which set up their win. “There was quite a lot of single-track and I went to the front from the beginning because I didn’t want to get stuck behind on that section,” he said.

Marais, who concentrates on cross country racing, said he was now well set for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Stellenbosch in March. “I am trying to peak for the World Cup. I’m looking forward to recovering from this and then to get in some speed work.”

Germany’s Udo Mueller said he had “a fantastic week” as he, too, led from the start to secure the solo men’s title in 21:13:06. He was followed home by Switzerland’s Roland Mueller (21:35:20) and Conway Oliver (22:10:56).

The UCI Elite Women’s title went to Pretoria riders Janine Muller and Mari du Toit (Oakley4), who finished in 27:14:29. The mixed category was dominated by British star Catherine Williams – who successfully defended her title – and Belgian’s Kristof de Neys in an overall time of 22:31:42.

atmosphere (and) friendly staff who are always willing to help. For example, we commented that the toast at breakfast was exceptionally good – when we left, we were presented with a complimentary loaf of the homemade bread (not usually for retail sale)”.

It’s these little (but important) touches that have ensured that 92% of the TripAdvisor reviews that Leeu House has received have been “excellent”, while another 6% have been “very good”, leaving just 2% as “average”.

Leeu House enchants with its stylish neutral, calm and multi-textured interiors that are a contemporary take on the traditional Cape Dutch heritage, with a nod to the French Huguenot architectural style that is quintessential to Franschhoek. The hotel and gardens also showcase a number of important modern artworks and sculptures from various countries, including South Africa. www.leeucollection.com | 021 492 2222 (reservations)

The Franschhoek Empowerment & Conservation Trust (Fremco) at its February 2018 Bursary Applications Meeting with parents and student applicants, recognized the value of supporting young women wishing to develop careers in agriculture. It is shifting its funding focus to align better with the key economic drivers in the valley.

Agriculture and tourism are key areas of this focus in funding prospective students.

Ntombi Mancam received a bursary for her postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein.

Ntombi completed her practicals and 2017 internship for her Diploma in Agriculture at Elsenburg College at the Fransche Hoek Estate under the supervision of Natie Ferreira, MD of Mycelium Agricultural Enterprises. Mycellium manages the agricultural side on the Estate which involves vineyards, olives, organic vegetable and free-range chicken production activities.

After completing her 2018 studies in Bloemfontein at the end of 2018, Ntombi hopes to take up a full-time position on the Estate.

Adrienne Bester, a final year B.Com (Agricultural Economics) student at Stellenbosch University, also received financial support to complete her degree this year. Adrienne and Ntombi hope to form a womenowned farming business in Franschhoek, should an opportunity or access to farming land come their way.

Norval Williams (Fremco chairman) and Nombulelo Ntsunguzi (Fund Committee Convenor) said that Fremco wishes that its graduates will one day become entrepreneurs in their own right, set

Norval Williams (Fremco chairman) and Nombulelo Ntsunguzi (Fremco Bursary Fund Committee Convenor) with Adrienne Bester (left) and Ntombi Mancam (right).

up and run businesses which will contribute to job creation in the valley. According to Norval Fremco is currently lobbying Government for access to unused state land (more than 2000 hectares) in the area for purposes of setting up a range of commercial agricultural and tourism enterprises in partnership with established commercial farmers in Franschhoek, its graduates and investors. Several successful farmers in the valley confirmed their support to participate in these opportunities. Up to 200 permanent jobs could be created.

Other students also received bursaries to study in diverse fields such as Education, Accounting, Nursing, Psychology, Food Technology and Construction Management.

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This fire season the WFPA unfortunately experienced a firefighter fatality. The death of Makalepe ‘Cedrick’ Seokoma, 37, is still under investigation. Seokoma was a project manager at the Working on Fire Strand Base, who was deployed to assist on the Simonsberg fire of 5 February 2018. This tragic incident has emphasised the risks that all firefighting personnel and volunteers face in safeguarding lives and property.

Ashley says that he is thankful to the WFPA members who volunteer to respond and assist at fires. “We have on many fire incidents not required the resources of the professional fire services. This is particularly important as during, for example, early February all our fire services were stretched to capacity with two major simultaneous incidents in Villiersdorp and Montagu.”

“I would like to also thank the community for their vigilance and prompt reporting of fires,” he concludes.

For all veld and vegetation fires please contact the Winelands Fire Services Control Room on 021 887 4446. For structural / home fires contact the Stellenbosch Municipality Fire Department on 021 808 8888 or 021 808 8890 (24 hours).

The St Croix fire was mostly contained to mountain land

March 2018 | 3

Making principals into managers means better education for all

Discover the vineyards of Franschhoek...breath-taking scenery, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a three hundred year history The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley.

Passengers aboard the hop-on hop-off tour will experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in a doubledecker tram and open-air tram-bus stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates.

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The core mission of the Principals Academy is to turn public schools serving socio-economically disadvantaged communities into centres of excellence.

Apart from sponsoring principals through the MDP, individual support is also provided by retired school principals with a successful track record as heads of high performing schools. Capitec Foundation, which has been funding the Principals Academy since its inception six years ago, was its first corporate funder.

Neptal Khoza from Capitec Foundation, explained that since 2012 the programme has supported 128 principals in the Western Cape. “Capitec Foundation supports principals and their deputies from schools that are part of our maths and science support programmes.

The emphasis is on catalysing capable managers who feel empowered to run centres of excellence.”

In addition to Deputy Principal Myburgh Principals Julian Fredericks (Groendal Secondary School) and Russel Cyster (Groendal Primary School) also completed the MDP.

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Teachers are a key component to improving South Africa’s education system, by upskilling them, we have the potential to transform the learning experience for young people. On 30 January, 25 Western Cape principals graduated from the UCT Graduate School of Business’ Management Development Programme (MDP) - an initiative run by the Principals Academy Trust in conjunction with the UCT Graduate School of Business. They now have the skills, support and knowledge necessary to be better managers of their schools, which has a powerful ripple effect.

The MDP programme aims to improve the management capabilities of crucial school managers.

So far, the programme has had a dramatically positive effect on the lives of the principals and the students in their schools. MDP graduate, Principal Marjorie Myburgh of Franschhoek High School said “As a teacher, it taught me to create an enabling environment, where all the role players feel free to take positive initiative within their organisation.”

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Dr Elanca Shelley (Senior Lecturer at the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town) with Deputy Principal Marjorie Myburgh of Franschhoek High School.

Now offering direct and exclusive transfers at affordable rates from Cape Town and surrounds including all hotels and guest houses.

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4 | March 2018

Le Lude

Lynx Wines

Brut Rosé

Blanc de Noir

Ripe cherries, red lollipop and raspberry aromas provide a delicate profile to the wine. These are followed by some hints of grapefruit and wild rose. The palate opens with a voluptuous texture supported by elegant acidity. Initially fresh red berry, wild plum and spice. The length and richness of the palate develops a complexity with raspberry compote and hints blue berries and aniseed.

A zesty fresh Blanc de Noir with an elegant salmon pink colour. Peach blossoms on the nose lead to strawberries and peach on the palate. The ideal summer wine to be enjoyed with food or on its own.

Cellar Price: R217 per bottle Le Lude 021 100 3464 info@lelude.co.za

Cellar Price: R70 per bottle Lynx Wines 021 867 0406

Orangerie @ Le Lude

Roca Restaurant

Ham hock Terrine with “Slaphakskeentjies”

Sesame crusted Norwegian Salmon

Ingredients: 4 ham hocks; 1 onion, chopped; 1 carrot, chopped; 3-4 thyme sprigs; 6 whole black peppercorns; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 cup chopped parsley; 4 gelatine leaves Method: Grease a 1-litre terrine. Line with plastic wrap, leaving generous overhang. Place ham, onion, carrot, thyme, pepper and wine in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water boil, skimming the surface. Reduce heat, simmer for 3 hours. Leave to cool in pan. Remove and discard solids and cooking liquid, reserving 1 cup liquid. Remove skin and flake the meat from the bone. Combine with parsley. Strain reserved liquid into a small pan and warm over low heat. Soak gelatine in cold water for 5 min. Squeeze leaves to remove excess water, then add to the pan. Stir to dissolve, then remove from the heat. Pack the ham into the terrine, then pour over the gelatine to completely cover. Cool, then fold in the overhanging wrap. Chill for 2 hours, then top with cardboard and weigh down.

Chill overnight. Turn out onto a board, slice thickly and serve with slaphakskeentjies and apple salad.

Ingredients: 150g Norwegian salmon; 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil; 100g potato puree; 1 fennel bulb ; 3 cherry tomatoes; 1 tsp black sesame seeds; 1 tsp white sesame seeds; 1 tsp pickled ginger; ½ tsp white wine vinegar; 1 tsp lemon zest; ¼ tsp finely chopped parsley; ¼ tsp finely chopped red onion; 1 tsp salmon caviar . Method: Skin the salmon. Fold in half and roll into a roulade using plastic wrap. Refrigerate. Remove the fennel leaves and julienne the bulb. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Mix the pickled ginger, parsley, red onion, white wine vinegar, lemon zest and 1tbs of the extra virgin olive and set aside. Mix the black and white sesame seeds together. Heat a pan till hot and add remaining extra virgin olive oil. Dip salmon into the sesame mix. Sear the salmon on both sides till golden brown. Heat another pan and add the fennel bulb and cherry tomatoes and cook till al dente Heat the potato puree and mix butter, salt and white pepper to taste. Add the chopped parsley.

Orangerie @ Le Lude

Roca Restaurant

021 100 3464

info@lelude.co.za

winemaker@lynxwines.co.za

021 876 3384

info@rocarestaurant.co.za

How to enter

Which Franschhoeker is now an Extra Virgin Olive Oil Savant?

COOKING

Send your answer to: tatlercompetition@gmail.com. The winner will be informed by return mail before 15 March 2018. Prizes have to be collected from the Franschhoek Info Office before end March 2018 or be forfeited.

demonstrations

JANUARY 2018 - APRIL 2018

FRAN SC HHOEK

Coastal Road Trip

FRANSCHHOEK WINE & CLOTHING

Join Chef Pieter de Jager on a coastal road trip – from Cape Town to Khosi Bay! Discover the wealth of sustainable seafood, learn how to prepare these delicate ingredients and enjoy a variety of recipes making the most of the fruit of the ocean.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

12 January 2018

23 HUGUENOT ROAD TEL: 021 876 3185

Spices of the World

www.fhfeeling.co.za

Enjoy the fragrance and variety of spices from all over the world.

From sweet cinnamon to fiery chilli, intricate cardamom to luxurious saffron. Join Chef Pieter de Jager for an introduction to the intoxicating world of spice and learn to use them to their utmost in a variety of dishes.

09 February 2018

Flavours of Lombardia

Whether it is the decadence of Risotto alla Milanese, the heartiness of Ossobuco or the traditional delight of Panettone, Chef Pieter will introduce you to the charm and delight that is the food of northern Italy.

02 March 2018

Sweet, Shweet, Swiet Heaven to those with a sweet tooth, Chef Pieter guides guests through a tempting array of delicate pastries and moreish desserts. Sweets in all its shapes and forms!

06 April 2018 Leopard’s Leap

@leopardleapwine

24 dirkie uys street · tel 021 876 4304

www.davidwalters.co.za

LeopardsLeap

R45 Main Road, Franschhoek | GPS 33°52’58.8” 19°04’50” | +27 (0)21 876 8002 | reservations@leopardsleap.co.za

HANDMADE IN FRANSCHHOEK

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designer craftsman · ceramic studio · gallery

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March 2018 | 5

Mark Tanner They say that moving house can be one of the worst human experiences. My recent move to farm accommodation proved to be an absolute pleasure.

Apart from the ‘country’ feeling the move involved finding things forgotten after years in storage. I found a diary with a story to share. Here goes.

In April 1995 Franschhoek received three visitors from France – from Paris and the Luberon in Provence. Their brief: to see how Huguenot heritage had been maintained in the valley after over 300 years. The reason for this interest was, quite simply, that with South Africa’s newfound international popularity, people in the Luberon had become aware of their ancestor’s participation in the history of Franschhoek and its wines. The three visitors also came to establish cultural and, possibly, commercial links between the two areas.

I met them and took them around for a few days.

At a farewell lunch at Polfyntjies Restaurant (now The Village Grill) they reciprocated by inviting me to the Luberon. As I was going to Vinexpo in Bordeaux that June it was not difficult to make a detour and spend a weekend at Lourmarin. Once there I was taken around by Marie-Odile Patin who had lived at La Tour D’aigues for the last 20 years. A mover and shaker she proved to be

a perfect guide. Not only did she know everyone who matters, but she was also an accomplished winemaker. Thanks to Marie-Odile and Claude and Elizabeth Millet from Paris the first exchange was already arranged. A Franschhoek Vigneron would accept a student winemaker from the Luberon for the ‘96 harvest. I was arranging for a menu from a restaurant at Cabrieres d’Aigues to be available at a Franschhoek restaurant to promote the Luberon region. This would give locals an opportunity to get closer to their ‘twin’ valley in Provence.

Well, for some reason this was not followed up, but how about going ahead and introducing such a menu item to one or more of our restaurants? How about “Daube dite de Lourmarin” a great casserole and ideal for our winter Bastille weekend, and you can recognise the connection of course. If anyone is interested they are welcome to contact me.

The Luberon produces what I would regard as ‘serious country wines’. They do not seek praise from Robert Parker in the Wine Spectator. They are tailored quite simply for the locals and their country fare.

Another extract from the diary reads as follows: ‘It was a pleasure for me to meet Conrad Pinatel, master of Chateaux de Mille at Apt who inspects his vineyards on horseback. Here, apart from being offered superb wines by such a mischievously charming gentleman, I was shown a hand written document giving instructions as to how the Chateaux’s were to be made. It was dated 1520’.

As one can see, we have a lot in common with this very lovely part of France. Can a town be twinned twice?

h c n u a L l a i c , i h f f c O 4 MM m 2 to 4p 10am

Sit back and chill as you taste the Valley’s first 2018 release.

Live music by Peter Vanne Wood fired Pizzas by Ishushu

2018 Photo: WikiMedia Commons

Cellar Chat

Where: Lynx Wines, R301, Wem Wemmershoek Specials on the day Free entry

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6 | March 2018

Our own Extra Virgin Olive Oil Savant!

In ‘13 Questions’ the Tatler combines the serious with the silly. We start by posing our subjects ten random questions from our ever-growing database. They then get to ask themselves a question, before the interview concludes with two questions from the editor.

with Brett Garner The character flaw in others that you can’t stand?

The need to find flaws in others.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee What book has made the biggest impact on you?

Romans – in the Bible What type of music moves you?

Folk rock/acoustic Three films you would gladly watch again?

Romeo and Juliet (Baz Luhrmann), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Tim Burton), The Incredibles (I have kids…)

Worst movie you’ll admit to have ever seen?

Sharknado (Just the first one!)

What would you never eat?

Oysters Favourite gadget/tool?

Electric drill Where do you want to retire to?

Franschhoek by the sea, aka Mendocino, California Celebrity that you’d most like to slap or otherwise taunt in person? Why? NA. See 1. above You’re an ardent promotor of Franschhoek.

What do you believe makes it so special?

What I find special is that the character of the village has been carefully preserved and nurtured, which means that its inherent attraction as a tourism and lifestyle destination remains largely undiluted – it’s a place of physical beauty, a wine and food capital, an aspirational hometown and a viable centre of business.

What should definitely not be allowed in Franschhoek?

A statue of Jacob Zuma Now ask yourself something you think others will find interesting!

Do you know Brett Garner?

Despite not having the most common name in the world, I discovered that there is another Brett Garner

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(in Australia), whose mother has the same maiden name as my mother, whose wife has the same name as my wife and who was born within days of me. Unlike him I have no tattoos.

If you’re my age there’s a good chance that you didn’t know what a savant was until you saw Dustin Hoffman in ‘Rain Man’. The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that a savant is “a person with a high level of knowledge or skill, especially someone who is less able in other ways”.

For some time after this movie I thought savants were people with extraordinary mathematical abilities, but there are all kinds of savants – including Extra Virgin Olive Oil Savantes. And we have one right here in Franschhoek!

Marlene Loubser of Lamara Farm at Two Rivers recently achieved the highly sought after Associate of Savantes status. This status is bestowed by the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Savantes, an international organisation founded by Australian olive grower Simon Field. Savantes has grown into a worldwide enterprise presenting intensive extra virgin olive oil tasting programmes and sharing valuable marketing information.

Marlene, a horticulturist with a BSc Agric degree in Plant Breeding and Horticulture from the University of Stellenbosch, attended a tasting presented by Simon Field in Stellenbosch in late January 2018. After the tasting programme she took the challenging ‘review test’. She was one of only 3 (out of 25) to pass the test and thus claim her Associate of Savantes status. This makes her one of an elite group of fewer than 70 people in the world with this status.

Benedetta Lami, Fontini Balassis and Franschhoek’s Marlene Loubser (with certificates, FLTR) with Linda Costa

(There are only four individuals with Member of Savantes status in the world. One of them is SA’s Linda Costa.)

So how did she do it? Marlene says that after finishing her degree she spent a year in Holland where she worked as a plant breeder for Preesman Holland. “My very first assignment at the company was to judge new flower varieties, including roses, based on the scents and perfumes of the flowers. It was there that I learnt how to apply my olfactory skills in judging.” .

March 2018 | 7

Beer brewed with soul

Soul Barrel Brewing recently opened in Simondium “bringing some soul to the winelands’ growing craft beer scene.” Located on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek, the brewery is built within the giant concrete tanks of the former Drakenstein Winery, which closed in mid 1990s. Soul Barrel was founded by American brewer Nick Smith and local entrepreneur Mark Groenewald.

Soul Barrel is focused on growing the craft beer culture in South Africa through a commitment to quality and exploring local ingredients in their beer.

“We believe beer is the greatest beverage in the world, and savouring a world class beer can be a life changing experience. Our dream is to create a gathering place where the community can learn about and celebrate beer culture,” says founder Nick.

Nick brings a unique perspective to the growing craft beer scene, having spent ten years in the craft beer industry in the US. After attending the Master Brewers Programme at the University of California Davis, he worked for Abita Brewing Company in New Orleans and New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Soul Barrel focuses on hoppy ales and Belgian style old world fermentations. “We want our beer to have interesting character and unique flavours, while

maintaining good structure and reflecting our time, place and personality.” They currently offer four beers on tap, with plans to rotate in seasonal offerings, including a programme dedicated to aging beer in used wine barrels.

Currently the following brews are available: Pale Farm: A lively, dry Belgian-style Pale Ale with notes of citrus and mango, which pays tribute to the winemaking history of the building.

Cape Cone: A soft, smooth IPA brewed exclusively with South African hops, showing flavours of stone fruit and pine.

Tropical Parade: A spirited, bright IPA with citrus flavours of grapefruit and tropical fruit from a blend of American West Coast hops.

Live Culture: An old world Belgian Farmhouse ale, fermented in French oak and featuring flavours of spiced pear, citrus and pineapple. After fermentation it was infused with fresh local fynbos (Pelargonium Citronellum and Coastal Sage) and dry hopped.

The beer is available just from the taproom, with growlers for sale to go. The taproom is open Wednesday & Thursday from 14h00 – 19h00 and Saturday & Sunday from 12h00 – 18h00. . https://soulbarrel.co.za

CAP

Tasting beer from the barrel with brew master Nick Smith

CLASSIQUE

C A P C L A S S I Q U E C E L L A R · O R A N G E R I E R E S TA U R A N T · L I LY P O N D V I L L A

Please make your reservation at Orangerie Restaurant for Lunch, High Tea or join us for a delicious slice of one of our speciality cakes.

The Tasting Room is open for Cap Classique tastings, canapés and sales.

TASTINGS · LUNCH · HIGH TEA Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00 Le Lude Cellar 021 100 3465 · Orangerie Restaurant 021 100 3464 Lambrechts Road Franschhoek info@lelude.co.za · www.lelude.co.za

8 | March 2018

Penchant Design: Going beyond the four Cs

Village jewellers, Penchant Design – famous for their daisy jewellery, have recently added another feather to their cap. Or should we say ‘another diamond to their bracelet?’

Penchant Design is now Franschhoek’s exclusive stockist of Forevermark diamonds. The Tatler paid the shop a visit to get the story behind Forevermark from owner Jackie Hahn.

Forevermark, Jackie informs us, is a diamond brand from The De Beers Group of Companies, which has over 125-year-long heritage of diamond expertise. The brand is founded on a three-fold promise: that every diamond bearing its inscription is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced.

Forevermark diamonds are tracked from the moment they are unearthed until they are inscribed and finally sold at an Authorised Forevermark Jewellers. Worldrenowned diamantaires and the Forevermark Diamond Institute, assess, select and craft the diamonds that are sourced from mines in South Africa, Botswana,

Namibia and Canada. Buyers, says Jackie, can truly rest assured that every Forevermark diamond is responsibly sourced, untreated and completely natural as the commercial integrity of every link in the supply chain is constantly monitored.

Less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to carry the Forevermark inscription.

The criteria used are: Carat – 10 points and above, Clarity – S12 and above, Colour – L and above and Cut – very good and above. Those that meet the requirements are actually selected and graded even beyond the 4 Cs and every diamond is assessed for its inherent beauty, only then is it inscribed with the Forevermark icon and a unique identification number. Diamond owners receive individual Forevermark identification cards for every diamond and can register these on an online database.

The Forevermark icon and identification number are inscribed on the table facet of every qualifying diamond using proprietary technology

developed by The De Beers Group of Companies.

The inscription is 1/20th of a micron deep, or 1/5000th the width of a human hair and does not damage the diamond in any way. Not surprisingly, it is only visible under a Forevermark viewer at an Authorised Forevermark Jeweller.

Jackie is proud that Penchant Design meets the high integrity standards required to be a Forevermark Jeweller, but adds that it is not only about business processes. The De Beers Group of Companies also supports the advancement of women and the protection of the natural world – the source of all Forevermark diamonds.

In total, 164 000 hectares of land around The De Beers Group’s mines are set aside for conservation.

For example, in Botswana, the Jwaneng mine operates a 17 000 hectare game park and hosts a field unit for Cheetah Conservation. In addition, for every hectare of land used for mining by The De Beers Group, five hectares are dedicated to

nature conservation.

Another project in aid of nature conservation is the Forevermark Bracelet Collection, an exclusive line of bracelets benefiting a rhino conservation organization. A percentage of every sale of the Forevermark Collection is donated to a rhino charity in support of their protection and conservation programmes for the dwindling number of rhinos in sub-Saharan Africa. The bracelet available at Penchant Design, is offered in three colour combinations and features a 10pt Forevermark inscribed diamond with a rhino charm and Forevermark icon on either a gold chain bracelet or coloured fabric cord. The collection launched on World Rhino Day, 22 September 2017.

We all grew up with ‘A Diamond is Forever’ and Penchant Design is proud to bring visitors and locals the mark that proves it, concludes Jackie. www.penchantdesign.co.za | www. forevermark.com

March 2018 | 9

Boschendal premium wine tastings

In celebration of its 300-year winemaking history, Boschendal has launched a range of new, premium wine tastings in the recently refurbished 200-year-old manor house. Guests can now sample some of the farm’s most prestigious varietals against a beautiful backdrop, while a new storytelling app brings the history of one of the Cape’s oldest wine farms to life.

Built in 1812 by Paul de Villiers and his wife, the manor house brings to life the history of Boschendal.

Recently refurbished, with an exquisite collection of antiques and paintings, the manor house is the ideal setting to be fully immersed in the story of how Boschendal began. Marketing Manager Bianca Grobbelaar says, “The history and antiques of the house pair beautifully with the wines, with much knowledge being shared, both on Boschendal’s past and the secrets of our cellar. Our wines are an integral part of the farm – the reason for its original founding is something we still pride ourselves on today.”

As guests move around the manor house the story of this beautiful building is brought to life through a new app. Guests can simply scan using their smartphone and the history of the farm, manor house and winemakers is brought to life via this innovative storytelling app – a guided tour for the twenty-first century!

The new, premium pairings are hosted in the signature lounge, which was previously a ‘’sitkamer’’ or drawing room. The most striking feature of the room is the wall adorned with the signatures of Boschendal’s owners stretching back to the farm’s first owner Jean Le Long in 1685.

The most striking of all the signatures is a golden X which represents Angela van Bengal, one of the first freed slaves in South Africa. She was the nursemaid to Jan van Riebeeck – the first commander of the Cape – and when she was granted her freedom she was also granted land in the Table Bay area. She married and she and her husband bought a property which is now part of the Boschendal estate. She is thought to be South Africa’s first female winemaker. She is honoured on two labels on Boschendal’s vin de memoir range.

As guests sip their carefully selected vintages in the heart of the historic house, they’ll be sitting in surrounds largely unchanged from 1812. With the structure, woodwork, window panes and friezes still intact, it’s easy to feel like time has stood still and it is 100 years ago; a time when the De Villiers served cakes and sweet wines in the voorkamer and danced and played cards in the drawing room.

The five premium wine tastings are as follows: Historic Tasting: This tasting begins with the prestigious Jean Le Long Méthode Cap Classique which is enjoyed on the stoep of the manor house.

After the bubbles guests venture inside where they’ll be presented with four historically significant wines and plenty of anecdotes and artifacts illuminating what life was like back in the early 1800s.

Connoisseurs Tasting: In this tasting Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, a Bordeaux Blend and Shiraz are all tasted in varietal-specific glasses, each with a modified, bowl, rim and stem to enhance the wine. All of the wines tasted are limited releases.

MCC and Canapés Pairing: As the second oldest MCC producer in South Africa, Boschendal has plenty to shout about! This tasting is a showcase of these bubbles paired with canapés prepared under the watchful eye of chef Christiaan at Boschendal’s flagship Werf Restaurant.

Angus Beef and Shiraz Pairing: In celebration of Boschendal’s almost 800 strong herd of organic Angus beef this pairing celebrates the best of our beef with our finest Shiraz based blends.

MCC and Oysters Pairing: An ideal combination for a summer tasting – bubbly and fresh west coast oysters.

Flagship Tasting: Ideal for guests familiar with Boschendal’s wines or who have a preferred varietal, this tasting allows you to choose your own wines from our cellar to taste.

Says Grobbelaar, “We believe that museums shouldn’t be mausoleums – instead of being owned by the past, treasures should be shared. It’s our sincere hope that these tastings will give insights into the past, while also instilling our current mission to protect the estate for generations to come.”

All premium wine tastings must be pre-booked.

Prices range from R120 – R250 per person. www.boschendal.com | 021 870 4210/11

Grande Provence vertolk Chenin Blanc op vier maniere

Grande Provence landgoed omhels die herlewing van Chenin Blanc as vlagdraer van Suid-Afrikaanse wyne, met hul nuwe enkelvariëteit bekendstelling.

Chenin Blanc vorm die kern van die landgoed se witwyne en die nuwe Grande Provence Chenin Blanc 2017 voltooi die besonderse uitdrukking van hierdie druifsoort. Hul Chenin Blanc versameling bestaan nou uit vier uiteenlopende wyne.

“Talle mense sien Chenin Blanc as een van SuidAfrika se top druifsoorte wat die voortou neem as die dryfveer agter Suid-Afrikaanse wyne. Die toeganklikheid tot ‘n ryk erfenis van ou wingerde asook die druifsoort se veelsydigheid, is beslis herbevestiging van hierdie standpunt,” sê Grande Provence se wynmaker, Hagen Viljoen.

Die nuwe Grande Provence Chenin Blanc 2017 is ‘n variëteitswyn geskep van wingerde in die Stellenbosch en Franschhoek omgewings. Dit is gemaak in ‘n vars, vrutige styl wat die klassieke karakter en suiwerheid van Chenin Blanc op so ‘n manier vasvang dat die wyn toeganklik, dog kompleks is. Verwag sweempies grenadella, koejawel en appelkoos met die eerste ontmoeting, saamgesnoer met lae steenvruggeure, varsheid en hope tekstuur in die afronding.

Hierdie suiwer tentoonstelling van Chenin Blanc komplimenteer die res van die reeks waar versnitte met ander druifsoorte interessante kinkels aan die wyne verleen.

The Grande Provence White 2015, ‘n versnit van Chenin Blanc en Viognier uit Franschhoek, is ‘n meer ernsitge, gehoute wyn. Die ryker en ryper karakters van Chenin Blanc word uitgelig deur die Viognier, wat ‘n ryk, volronde én bowenal boeiende wyn oplewer. Hierdie versnit het die potensiaal om pragtig te verouder.

Een van die mees boeiende Grande Provence wyne, The Amphora 2016, is gemaak van Chenin Blanc wat vir 7 maande op die doppe in Toskaanse klei-amfora vertoef het, en bevat ‘n skeut Muscat d’Alexandrie (1%). Hierdie is ‘n suiwer en opregte uitdrukking van die druifsoort wat die volle gestalte van Chenin Blanc uitbeeld.

Om die versameling te voltooi maak Grande Provence ook ‘n Chenin-lafenis vir allerdaagse genot in hul gesellige Angels Tears-reeks. Die Angels Tears Moscato/Chenin Blanc 2017 is ‘n prettige versnit ingestel op geur en toeganklikheid. Dit is die ideale vrugtige wyn vir die somer.

By Grande Provence se The Restaurant kan hierdie wyne ook geniet word as die perfekte pasmaats saam met kreatiewe disse voorberei deur uitvoerende sjef, Guy Bennett.

Die nuwe Grande Provence Chenin Blanc 2017 is landwyd beskikbaar by toonaangewende wynwinkels en verkoop by die proelokaal teen R90 per bottel. www.grandeprovence.co.za | 021 876 8600

10 | March 2018

Gardening in March

Natie Ferreira

The drought and accompanying water shortages are still with us. We did get some encouraging figures coming through in recent weeks – agricultural water consumption has dropped, households are doing their bit with daily consumption in Cape Town falling to the lowest levels in recent years, the dam levels are dropping very slowly – almost staying constant. There has also been a massive “donation” of water from private dams in the Palmiet River agricultural scheme.

All of these have bought us some time, and it is now official that “day zero” is an improbability with the date moved back into June; by which time we should be in our rainy season.

We have also had some rain! The absolute elation and gratitude we experienced during the two downpours we’ve had sure put a smile on my face.

Even though it barely registered in the rain gauge it brought hope and optimism to a parched community.

Ever being the optimist, I am going to go long on rain this year. I did the same last season, but I am not one who is easily discouraged! So, I suggest that you get ready for the rain. Stock up on some organic slow release fertiliser – there are plenty of products available – go for something with higher P and K levels – a 2:3:2 for instance. Agricultural lime is a good addition to the lawn and vegetable garden. Order a load of mulch and well rotten kraal manure. Just make sure that the manure is well decomposed – you don’t want to add flies to your irritation. And then as soon as the forecast for rain gets really confident, go out and make the most of it. A true gardener will be out dancing in the rain anyway; why not dance around with your fertiliser bag slung over the shoulder? I am also going to stock up on some cover crop seeds and try to get these in the ground early this season. Digging in a green manure in spring helps the soil on so many levels, with water retention at this stage being the most important. Lupins, fava beans, vetch, clover, cow peas, rye, wheat, mustard and even spring flower mixes are all good choices. Seeds of these are often difficult to come by,

Rainfall Figures

ask a farmer friend to help you out.

Other tasks that can fill your Saturdays include getting ready for the rain that we’re all praying for. Empty out the gutters, make sure the tanks are clean, clear gulleys and catch pits and make sure that storm water has a way over or through your property without washing away any topsoil. Also take a closer look at your trees.

Some branches might have died back and there might also be some wind damage that needs attending too.

Tree surgeons often get very busy during the winter – get them in early for an appointment. You have probably done what you could to catch and store rain water. Another area where we can do a lot to save water is in our soils. By increasing the organic matter in our soil, we also increase the water holding capacity. A 1% increase in organic matter means an additional 15 litres of water stored per square meter.

That, coupled with reducing evaporation by mulching and providing shade and wind protection, can make a big difference next summer.

Winter crops can be sown now. Get your cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower seeds into your seedbeds as soon as possible. Direct sowing of the first peas and broad beans can be done towards the end of the month. Pick tomatoes, beans and fruit regularly.

Rotting fruit on the ground is a bad idea, but they can make a very beneficial ferment to be used on fruiting and flowering plants. Simply throw all damaged and fallen fruit into a bucket, fill with water and leave out in the sun for a few days. The strained “tea” is a great tonic for all plants, especially those in bud or fruiting.

My kitchen is a very busy place in autumn. Tomatoes are turned into pasta sauce, excess beans get blanched and frozen. Hanepoot grapes and ripe figs are turned into jam. Shiraz grapes will become the most amazing jelly. I see I have a tree full of apples for the first time ever – I might even be making some cider this year.

2006 2007 2008 2009 884mm 1153mm 1217mm 978mm

2010 740mm

2012 2015 2013 2014 1079mm 1471mm 1033mm 661mm

2016 754mm

mm/month

Heavenly Hibiscus

The hibiscus makes a lovely addition to any patio.

There are around 220 different hibiscus species that are quite diverse, including hot-climate evergreen shrubs and small trees, as well as seasonal temperature-zone shrubs, and some annuals and perennials. The most recognisable of these is the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, otherwise known as the Chinese Rose, Red Hibiscus or Shoeflower.

The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, or Shoeflower, is characterised by its blood-red flowers, and while red might be the romantic colour of love, the name Shoeflower comes from the rather unromantic Jamaican use of crushing the flowers to polish black shoes. This species of hibiscus originated from an ancient hybrid from the Indian Ocean region and can be identified as a glossy evergreen shrub that can sometimes be as much as 4,5m high and wide. Its red flowers are the characteristic funnel shape with 5 overlapping petals and a central column of fused stamens. Each flower only lasts a day, opening in the morning and withering by evening, but they appear in long succession, as long as the weather is warm.

They prefer a frost-free environment.

Caring for your potted hibiscus Hibiscus plants are easy to grow and they thrive in sunlight and well-drained soil. They are versatile and can be grown outdoors or indoors. They make beautiful flowering plant bushes and perform best when their roots are slightly crowded, so pay attention to the size of the pot you get for your hibiscus. Read below for details on caring for your patio hibiscus.

Light: Hibiscus thrives in full to partial sunlight, although in hot climates like ours, you

Dam Levels

2016

As at 9 February 2018

2017

MONTH

ACCUMULATIVE

MONTH

ACCUMULATIVE

27 9 57 55 28 198 209 73 56 14 6 22

27 36 93 148 176 374 583 656 712 726 732 754

28 1 11 19 17 136 58 87 25 55 54 10

28 29 40 59 76 212 270 357 382 437 491 501

Steenbras Upper

81.4%

Steenbras Lower

41.3%

Wemmershoek

49.7%

Voelvlei

17.3%

Theewaterskloof

12.2%

Berg River Dam

53.4%

Total Storage

25.1%

Total Storage this time last year

36.8%

Lets talk about your improved energy, weightmanagement, healthy aging and wellness. my y r T y 5 Da l Tria

Frankie Brookes

mm/year

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Plant of the Month

Lauren Stewart Independent Herbalife Member 083 583 9646 lauren@lwg.co.za www.thebodyclub.co.za

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might want to opt for partial sunlight rather, which makes these plants perfect for your patio.

Watering: Hibiscuses are thirsty plants and will only thrive and blossom if given enough water. In warmer climates, they may need to be watered daily, or even twice a day in extremely dry conditions. They don’t like to dry out, however, avoid drowning your plant as they do not like to be soaking wet. Keep the soil moist by watering you hibiscus slowly. You can tell if your plant is not getting enough water if it starts to drop its leaves or turn yellow.

Feeding: Hibiscus respond well to balanced fertilisers, either slow release or water-soluble, and do best when given fertiliser frequently but lightly. If you are using a watersoluble fertiliser, use a weak solution every two weeks in spring and summer and four weeks in autumn and winter. You’ll only want to fertilise four times a year if you are using a slow release feeder; early spring, after the first round of blooming, mid-summer and early winter.

Pests and disease: Watch out for pests such as spider mites, aphids, thrips, scale, and whiteflies. Pests can usually easily be controlled by applying an insecticidal soap spray. Be sure to only apply the spray when the leaves are out of direct sunlight to avoid burning them. Cool morning or early evening are the best times to spray.

With their discernable trumpet-shaped flowers blooming every day, a hibiscus will make an eyecatching addition to any patio.

March 2018 | 11

Early onset dementia on the increase

With the World Health Organization reporting that there are approximately 50 million people living with dementia worldwide, and nearly 10 million new cases every year, many health authorities believe that dementia cases are on the increase globally.

“With an increasingly large aging population, a group that is statistically much more likely to develop dementia, the global burden of this condition is on the increase, and we have a very similar situation here in South Africa,” says Ivan Oosthuizen, chief executive officer of Livewell Group, an organisation that specialises in dementia care.

Oosthuizen says that in addition to this, the means of diagnosing dementia — a syndrome that is incurable and progressively erodes memory and cognitive function — has markedly improved in recent years.

“This is also no doubt leading to an increase in the number of cases being diagnosed today, as well as to a greater number of younger individuals being identified as suffering from early onset dementia, which is when it is diagnosed in those under the age of 65. Certainly, the Livewell Group has noted an increased number of enquiries from early onset patients for assistance in recent years,” he adds.

Early onset dementia “While the early diagnosis of dementia, can be bewildering and exceptionally difficult to come to terms with, some patients are relieved that they are at least able to finally reach an understanding of why they are experiencing cognitive function and memory problems.

“An early diagnosis of the condition may have certain advantages for patients. We have, for example, had residents who were grateful that they were able to make preparations to take care of their affairs timeously, as well as to comprehensively plan ahead for the care they will require in future.”

Progressive condition Oosthuizen explains that dementia manifests in numerous different ways and has a range of causes, with some 60% to 70% of cases being related to Alzheimer’s disease. The condition furthermore develops at a different pace from one person to another.

“Dementia remains, however, an untreatable and unmistakably progressive condition. This means that it becomes increasingly difficult to manage, especially for families within the home environment. Many loved ones find it increasingly challenging and stressful to provide the necessary levels of care required at home that will keep their loved one safe and engaged for as long as possible,” he says.

Planning ahead According to Oosthuizen, dementia can be very hard on families, and when a loved one is first diagnosed it is not necessarily easy to foresee the cognitive and physical changes that may accompany the condition in later years.

“Most of those who are diagnosed with early onset dementia therefore find it beneficial to plan in advance with their families in order to minimise the impact that the condition will have on all involved as time goes on.

“In this way the dementia patient is able to ensure they receive the best possible care when their cognitive function finally deteriorates to the extent that they are often no longer capable of making the most appropriate decisions in terms of their own future health and wellbeing, he advises.

“While the diagnosis of dementia can potentially seem as though it will limit the individual’s ability to make their own choices, a proactive and informed stance while they are still able to do so can prove immensely empowering.”

Oosthuizen notes that early planning enables the person with dementia to firmly express his or her desires for their future care and to make the necessary legal, financial and other decisions well in advance of the progression of the condition.

“Such planning can enable the individual to sort out the intricate financial and legal issues that may be involved, as well as to designate decision-makers on

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FRANSCHHOEK their behalf. In addition, it provides loved ones with a sense of security and can reduce a number of the stresses that the condition often places on families,” he adds.

“It can also enable the person diagnosed with dementia to take maximum advantage of all treatment and support services that are available to them, as well as to develop new coping strategies that will enable them to live a life of maximum independence.”

Oosthuizen recommends that the individual who is diagnosed with dementia pay attention to the following aspects in their forward planning: • Health and long-term care • Legal aspects • Finances and property • Support groups “Livewell holds free monthly support groups where people can get advice and assistance with their planning from our teams, as well as obtain the support of others who are facing similar challenges,” points out Oosthuizen.

The Livewell Villages in Somerset West and Bryanston offer a comprehensive range of services to support families and provide a safe, comfortable and stimulating environment for people living with dementia.

“Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependency among older people in South Africa and has a important impact, not only on the individual and their families, but also on the broader society and economy,” notes Oosthuizen.

“It is critical that those who are diagnosed are provided with every possible service and support to assist them to achieve maximum independence and remain fully participating members of the family for as long as possible,” he concludes.

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Corner Cabriere & Fabriek Street Tel: 021 876 3310 www.franschhoekhealthclub.co.za

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Franschhoek Chiropractic Dr. Glynn Till - Chiropractic Clinical Specialist DC, FCCS(Can), FCASA(Hon), FSAHA(Hon) Treatments offered: Spinal & Extremity joint manipulation | Shock wave therapy | Low level laser therapy | Graston technique | Dry needling | Massage | McManus traction | Rehabilitation exercises | Strapping & Taping Conditions frequently treated: Back & Neck pain | Sprains & Strains (muscles, tendons and ligaments) | ITB, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff, tennis & golfers elbow, Achilles tendonosis, bursitis | Trigger points (myofascial pain syndromes) | Sciatica & Brachial neuralgia | Sports injuries | Headaches | Arthritis 57 Cabrière Street, Franschhoek, 7690 | Cell: 073 227 1851

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12 | March 2018

Tatler Motoring

Michele & Mario Lupini

ALFA ATTACK: An Italian SUV to take on Germany’s finest

Three years ago, if you saw an Alfa Romeo, you’d probably smile and, as Henry Ford once suggested, tip your hat. Great cars with Fiat roots and huge style, but ja well, it’s an Alfa after all.

But that’s all changed and diametrically so. In 36 short months, the Fiat offshoot has headed off on its own tangent – gripping that impeccable Mille Miglia winning century-old pre-80s pedigree in one hand and the future in the other, it launched the rear-driven Guilia topped by the mad 500-horse QV and took it to the Germans’ throats.

And guess what – the world sat up and took notice.

Now comes this – the first-ever Alfa Romeo SUV set to tear into the hearts of the cars that all of a sudden seem to pale by significance. Is this all for real?

Damn sure it is!

Alfa took a long, hard look at what BMW and Mercedes-Benz was doing and it took careful notes.

Then it concentrated on the core of those brands and went out to beat them at their own game and rather than take a broad palette to the party, it concentrated on the heart of it and has so far set just one model to take on the myriad that one can buy of both the brand-new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz CLC. This Stelvio 2.0T Super Q4 takes aim at the X3

xDrive30i M Sport and GLC 300 – all three of them boast high tech 2-litre turbo petrol engines and 8 or 9-speed (in the Merc) automatics with all-wheel drive under a versatile, spacious and practical 5-seater body and an expandable big boot.

Alfa goes straight for the jugular – its all-new 206kw 400Nm mill out-punches its German foe from the outset – its 204 kilowatts per litre 20% better than both its rivals and its 240Nm per tonne torque is similarly superior – and it’s lighter than them too.

Which translates to a clean set of heels on the road – the Alfa is quicker than both the similarly specced and priced BMW and Mercedes – our test kit reported the Alfa to reach 100km/h in a most impressive 5.84 seconds – around half a second quicker than both the white cars. It’s more economical too – giving it a longer range on a slightly smaller tank of unleaded.

The Alfa Romeo also offers the best back-up with a three-year warranty and 6-year service plan combination, although both Mercedes and BMW have a broader dealer network, yet Alfa Romeo has an equal reputation for back-up according to various surveys.

On the road, the Alfa is a little more pointed than the BMW – it’s better over the pass but a tad tauter down the R45. And looks wise, just look at the Alfa Romeo. Not that the pricing will help its rivals catch up – at R810K the Alfa is on par with the R807K BMW and just a little cheaper than the R819K Merc.

So which one would I choose? Well I’m Italian and patriotic, but believe me, even with the blinkers off, I think the highly capable white cars in this picture have some very real red Italian concerns right now.

Read the full story in Michele Lupini’s Bakkie & Car magazine on village bookshelves from mid-March.

Great start for Giordano

Lupini a fighting third at Killarney

Franschhoek’s Giordano Lupini was delighted to start his 2018 BurlyPro GTi Challenge Class C racing campaign with a hard-fought third place at February’s season-opening Wingfield Motors Power Series races at a sunny Killarney. Not only did Lupini and his CIR Construction/La Vie de Luc Golf 1 GTi have to deal with the attentions of a few highly experienced rivals, but he also ended up fighting to the finish after most of the field had slid wide on a last corner oil slick at the end of the second race.

“I am really going to cherish today’s thirdplace trophy,” Bridge House matriculant

Giordano beamed after the race. “It ends a most difficult dry patch since the last one, but I really had to work for it! Competition in the Class C Brat Pack is extremely tight and I found myself fighting hard with some highly experienced and pretty uncompromising men on Saturday — the car is a bit worse for wear and has a lot more rubber on the doors, but I am very happy with my weekend — it’s a great way to start the new season.”

Giordano and the BurlyPro GTi Challenge Brat Pack are back in action at Killarney’s 10 March Wingfield Power Series races.

March 2018 | 13

This carwash isn’t wishy-washy!

FRANSCHHOEK MOTOR MUSEUM CRASH TEST ON SHOW In late 2017, together with Global NCAP, the AA launched the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign, displaying the crash test results of five of SA's most popular/compact small cars. The models tested were the base versions of the VW Polo Vivo together with the Chery QQ3, Datsun Go+, Renault Sandero and Toyota Etios, collectively sales of which account for around 65% of all the new cars sold in the country.

For the assessment, each car was fitted with crash test dummies representing adults in the front seats, plus a three-yearold and an 18-month old child in the rear seat. The assessment checks how compatible the car is with the child seat recommended by the manufacturer, as well as the protection provided in the crash test.

The cars are propelled at 64 km/h into a solid block covering 40% of the car's width

on the driver's side. Separate ratings are given for front adult and rear child safety.

In a positive new initiative, the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign recently donated the Toyota Etios to the museum, along with a video and explanation of the actual test. The Etios achieved a four-star rating for adult occupant protection, and the vehicle structure was rated as stable, offering good general protection. For child occupant protection, the car achieved a three-star rating.

The crash tests represent an important step in road safety not only in South Africa but globally, and having an example on display brings home the message to all visitors to the museum.

Main photo: The Toyota Etios crash test is now on display at FMM.

ANTIPODEAN MASERATI VISIT

In mid-February FMM was visited by two senior representatives from the antipodes with links to Maserati, namely Glen Sealey, Chief Operating Officer of Maserati Australasia and South Africa, and Neville A Crichton, Executive Chairman of the Ateco Group based in Sydney, Australia, which imports and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts and accessories, including Maserati.

The pair were on a fact-finding mission and after a guided tour of the museum were given some laps around the PlaasPad test track by curator Wayne Harley in FMM's Maserati 1956 150S in company with the 1954 250F once raced by Mike Hawthorn and Stirling Moss. Both were impressed with the whole FMM facility and operation that

Barry Fletcher’s 1961 Austin Healy got the Eco Steamclean treatment before being exhibited at the George Old Car Show.

I had been eyeing the Eco Steamclean team in their bright green shirts cleaning cars in the PicknPay parking area for a few weeks. When my car once again got the point where I started feeling embarrassed to be seen in it – my normal cue that a wash is in order – I decided to try them out. I came away impressed.

Not being a fan of the summer heat I decided to go to the carwash immediately after my post-gym coffee.

I got to there just as co-owner Frank McCourt arrived with the trailer housing the steam cleaners and other business paraphernalia. I didn’t mind waiting a bit while the team went through their morning setup routine, as that gave me an opportunity to chat to Frank and one of his business partners, Jessica van Schoor. (The third partner is Richard Parkfelt.)

Living in water-restricted times, and being a greenie, I was naturally interested in the operation’s eco credentials. Jessica and Frank soon put my mind at ease. Compared to standard carwashes that use 50 – 70 litres of water per vehicle, which in most cases isn’t recycled either, the Eco Steamclean operation only uses 3 – 5 litres per vehicle. (No, that’s not a typo!) Moreover, they use greywater that is not fit for human consumption. What this means is that whereas many carwashes have to close because of water restrictions this carwash has the blessing of Stellenbosch Municipality to continue operating.

The steam-cleaning system has other advantages too. E.g. no chemical cleaners or soap is required as the steam simply lifts the dirt off the surface allowing it to be gently wiped off with special cloths. (Where products are required, such as wheel and dashboard polish, the partners have sourced eco-friendly, biodegradable ones.) Another advantage is that steam

is able to get into nooks and crannies that no sponge ever can. This means that even door hinges, beading and brake discs emerge spotless from the cleaning.

In addition steam cleaning kills bacteria and mould, sterilizes and deodorizes.

Before handing my car back to me, Frank and Jessica did a final check to ensure everything was shipshape. With both of them having hospitality industry backgrounds I wasn’t surprised that the service was excellent and I was invited to report any glitches to them.

As I got back in my car, ready to drive off, I realised another advantage of the steam cleaning system: no more wet seats. The system uses dry steam containing only 6% water, so unless you ask for a deep cleaning of your upholstery you will no longer have to worry about getting out of your car with a wet bum!

Steam cleaning, of course, works on things other than cars and the partners have already been asked to clean a number of motorbikes – and a boat! They are also investigating other applications for the system.

I’m not the only person who is impressed with this operation. My occasional tennis foe Barry Fletcher had this to say: “I was told about this operation by a friend and tried it out with my 1961 Austin Healey 3000 as I was about to drive it to the George Old Car Show as an exhibit. The quality of their work was so good I took my Touareg in the next day! I am very happy with the result!”

Eco Steamclean offers mini and full valet options.

Prices start at R200 – depending on the option and size of the vehicle. Bookings are advisable, but do be punctual as otherwise you may have to join the queue. ecosteamcleansa@gmail.com | 083 390 2890 (Frank) 073 840 8661 (Jessica)

Maserati representatives with the FMM team at PlaasPad with the ex-Hawthorn/Moss 250F.

could lead to some joint ventures in the future.

WAYNE’S D-J

FMM curator Wayne Harley fulfilled a dream in 2017 when he took part in the Durban to Johannesburg Motorcycle Rally – the D-J Run. Wayne rode the ex-Ian Brodie 1934 Triumph 350 3/1 sponsored by Marius Malherbe, and on March 9-10 this year he will again take part on this legendary 700 km reliability and regularity trial riding the Triumph. Wayne is hoping for better fortune as last year's run was hampered with a number of mechanical woes but he managed to perform running repairs and finished a creditable 61st, a position he is planning to improve upon in 2018.

FMM curator, Wayne Harley, completed the DJ Run on a 1934 Triumph 350 3/1.

BACK IN THE GROOVE Following FMM's successful inaugural Slot Car Championship that ran from September to November last year, the competition is being continued in 2018. A pre-season practice session was held in February to discuss plans for the new season, in which, amongst other ideas, an enduro to coincide with the running of Le Mans was mooted. A

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

number of new entrants and cars have already appeared. The majority of the cars are DTM/LM sports cars, touring cars and classics, and classes are being devised to complement each type. Meetings are held in the evenings of the first Wednesday of each month and the coming year looks set to be even more competitive than in 2017.

FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY FOOTBALL CLUB

Text & Images Mike Monk

MUSEUM OPERATING HOURS: Visiting is currently by appointment only – phone 021 874 9002 to make a reservation. There is ample secure parking on site. Motorcycles and buses larger than 23-seaters should park at Anthonij Rupert Wyne from where visitors will be transported to and from the museum by charabanc.

Opening hours until 31 March are – Monday to Friday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 16h00 (last admittance 15h00). The museum is open on most public holidays except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

ENTRY FEES: R80 adults, R60 pensioners and motor club members (with membership ID), R40 children (ages 3-12).

Guided tours are available upon request at no charge. An on-site Deli offers refreshments and a selection of wines produced by Anthonij Rupert Wyne.

Tel: 021 874 9000 Fax: 021 874 9100 Email: fmm@fmm.co.za Web: www.fmm.co.za

www.franschhoekvalleyfc.co.za

14 | March 2018

Franschhoek’s Weber triumphs at Sanlam Cape Mile

Hospice News Colleen Douglas

Franschhoek’s Michelle Weber on her way to victory at the 2018 Sanlam Cape Mile presented by Sanlam Investments. The event took place at the picturesque Eikenhof Dam (Elgin, Grabouw) on Sunday, 18 February 2018.

Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg

Spotlight: JMP Foundation

The JMP Foundation was established on 15 January 2017 by Jeffrey Siqwayi. Jeffrey was inspired to start the foundation by the passing of his younger brother, Siyabonga Siqwayi, who had a passion and love for the arts.

The JMP Foundation is involved in various forms of performing and visual arts and work with youth from disadvantaged communities in Franschhoek.

Through their chosen medium of art they teach the youth about discipline, respect and compassion for one another. Their activities include: poetry, music, dramatic arts (Theatre), traditional dance, short stories and visual arts.

The foundation is also running a guitar project in partnership with Prochorus. Here the focus is on developing the participants’ guitar, piano and djembe drum skills, with the aim of starting a JMP Foundation band in the near future.

Jeffrey says the foundation is keen to develop the musical skills of local youths to the benefit of not only the youths themselves, but also local residents and tourists. “We truly believe that through this project we can build a brighter tomorrow for the young people of Franschhoek. A tomorrow in which they can be mentally, emotionally and physically fit to

chase their dreams without being dragged down by social challenges.”

A special request: The foundation is in dire need of musical instruments, especially African/djembe drums, drum kits, guitars and pianos/keyboards. Jeffrey appeals to anybody that may have unused musical instruments, particularly the aforementioned types, taking up space in their garages or storerooms to please donate them to the foundation so they can be used to assist underprivileged youth.

If you have any of these, or other, musical instruments you’d like to donate, please drop them off at the Tourism Office / Franschhoek Wine Valley.

Anyone who would like more information about the foundation, or perhaps book them for an event, is welcome to contact Jeffrey at Jeffsiq.js@gmail.com or 074 934 7459.

Speeches for Madiba

The Huguenot Memorial Museum along with the Paarl and Wellington Museums and the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport were the organisers of a speech making contest held at Drakenstein Correctional Services on 8 February 2018.

The contest formed part of the Mandela Centenary Celebrations.

Grade 10 and 11 learners taking English as a first additional language from schools in Franschhoek, Paarl and Wellington were invited The organisers and winners of the Mandela Centenary speech making to take part in the contest.

According to the organisers contest. FLTR: Elizna Davids (Huguenot Memorial Museum), Rochelle Samuels (3rd place, Groendal Secondary School), Elvira Johannes (Paarl Museum), “The contest is a platform Teana Mans (2nd place, La Rochelle High School), Leigh Jeneker (1st place, for youth to reflect on the Klein Nederburg Secondary School), Olivia le Cordeur (Wellington Museum) exemplary life of Madiba and and Progamme Director Barry Jooste (Principal Museum Human Scientist draw inspiration from it. It is (Education) DCAS). also an opportunity to improve The top three received gift vouchers as a reward public speaking for those who participate.” for their efforts, while all the contestants received Participants could choose from five topics – certificates of appreciation. The adjudicators all reflecting on the life and legacy of Nelson were: Cllr Minnie Petersen, Mr Karel Dampies, Mandela. A panel of five adjudicators selected Ms Christine Siebrits, Mr Ludwig Layman and Cllr the top three contestants based on the content Siegfried Schäfer. of their speeches, their delivery and language use.

Porcupine Ridge MTB Challenge results

Germany’s Karl Platt won the 19th Porcupine Ridge MTB Challenge that took place on 27 January 2018 at Bridge House School.

Platt finished the 54km feature race in a time of 2:32:14. Tim Boehme was second across the line after 2:32:15. Gerhard Matthysen finished in third in 2:38:48.

The women’s feature race was won by Louise Bezuidenhout who claimed a winning time of 2:44:16. The podium was completed by Anja van Zyl in 2:50:56 and Tanya Rabie in 2:55:07.

WG van der Walt won the 30km men’s race in a time of 1:41:47. Leo van der Merwe finished in second after 1:25:50, while Villiers van der Walt came in third after 1:26:20.

Nikki Biesheuvel won the women’s race in a time of 1:37:52 and was followed home by Nienke Mostert in 1:38:39 and Chelna Neethling in 1:39:28.

The event, organised by the Franschhoek Lions, raised funds for their ‘Sight First’ project. This project helps save the eyesight of local farm

Saturday, 27 January – Boerewors Rolls Volunteers and staff spent a fun-filled morning watching the cyclists and selling Boerewors Rolls at the Porcupine Ridge MTB Event at Bridge House School to raise funds for Franschhoek Hospice.

Wednesday, 7 February – Volunteers’ Tea The volunteers are a group of very special folk. They are caring people, who selflessly give their time to drive patients around, make sandwiches and soup, sell tickets for various functions, and help with fundraising events. They play a vital role in upholding the mission of Franschhoek Hospice. The annual tea provides an opportunity to formally thank this indispensable group.

If you would like to volunteer, please call Colleen at (021) 876 3085 or email fhospice@xsinet.co.za Wednesday 14 February – Day Care Franschhoek Hospice runs a day care programme during which patients spend the morning at Hospice House, socialising over tea and engaging in creative activities. Valentine’s Day provided a special opportunity for the day care patients to make beautiful cards for their loved ones, all featuring heart-shaped chocolates that were donated by Barbara, one of our volunteers.

FHRPA News Peter Dimaio

The Ratepayers Committee continues to work on various issues of public interest. Here are a few updates on current topics, mainly based on interaction with senior officials of Stellenbosch Municipality.

Roads and Traffic The Municipality is in advanced discussions with Province regarding a bypass road. This will result in heavy traffic being diverted from our main street to Robertsvlei Rd, which will be upgraded, including major work to the bridge over the Franschhoek River.

This is at budget stage so we do not have information on timing. When this work is completed, it will reduce traffic congestion in Huguenot Rd. Huguenot Rd will be re-surfaced before the start of winter.

A traffic circle has been approved at the intersection of Main Rd and Cabrière St. Construction is programmed to be completed before the end of this financial year. The circle is intended to slow traffic into Franschhoek village.

Discussions are taking place regarding a new traffic officer to be assigned to Franschhoek.

Updates will follow.

Problems regarding “illegal trucks” and over-loaded vehicles using the Franschhoek Pass are being dealt with. Solutions include; a mobile weigh bridge to be deployed (as many over-loaded trucks are using Franschhoek Pass to avoid weigh-bridges on other routes), revision of speed limits on the pass, installation of mirrors on sharp / blind bends and rumble strips to slow traffic at strategic points.

Speed Limits Problems of speeding on the R45 entering Franschhoek from the Stellenbosch side and the unacceptable statistics of accidents on this road have been addressed.

Stellenbosch Municipality has agreed to apply to Province to lower speed limits on their section of the road and to consider lowering limits on the municipal section of the road. The municipality is only responsible for the R45 within the built-up area of Franschhoek, namely the section which currently has a speed limit of 60kph.

The FHRPA will be providing motivation for speed limit revisions, based on traffic flow rates. A traffic impact study is under discussion. It is proposed to reduce the 60km/h section to 40km/h.

Probus Club Mark Tanner We are fortunate to have Alice Ashwell as our speaker on 5 March. Alice is in considerable demand as an authority on dementia and her talks to other Probus Clubs have been rated as ‘among the best yet’. Visitors are welcome at our meetings on the first Monday of each month.

What is probus all about?

In South Africa there is a rapidly growing number of Probus Clubs, which offer retirees the facility to manage successfully the transition from high pressure executive, professional and other vocational activity to a calmer way of life.

Ready to ride

workers and underprivileged people from the local community by funding eye screening, eye care and cataract surgeries. In 2017 more than 300 people were screened by the project and 105 referred for further testing at a local optometrist.

Hospice “soup” volunteers

Upcoming Events Saturday, 15 April – Nik Rabinowitz Comedian Nik Rabinowitz presents “FORTYFIED” in aid of Franschhoek Hospice.

Haut Espoir wines will be for sale at R50 per glass.

Date & Time: 15 April 2018 at 19h00. Venue: NGK Hall. Tickets are R200 per person, and are available at Hospice House Monday to Friday 08h30 – 14h00, or call Colleen at (021) 876 3085 Friday, 18 May & Saturday, 19 May – Books and Croissants During the annual Literary Festival, Franschhoek Hospice will be selling books, and delicious freshlybaked croissants with salmon trout and cream cheese outside Hospice House.

Appeal Franschhoek Hospice Shop is in need plastic carrier bags. The shop also gladly accepts donations of clothing, furniture and household goods. Please drop donations at Hospice House Monday to Friday 08h30 – 14h00.

Rotary News Mark Tanner The Rotary Club of Franschhoek Valley has set its sights firmly on education in our community, from

Stellenbosch Municipality is liaising with Province’s representatives on the 100 and 80km/h zones on the R45, approaching Franschhoek.

Parking The Municipality acknowledges that there are parking problems in Franschhoek and is already busy with a Section 78 process to determine the best way forward. The FHRPA is compiling plans for immediate, short term and 5 to 20 year developments for submission to the municipality.

The parking area in front of Hospice House is being prepared for temporary use as public parking, while the surface of the parking area behind the Municipal buildings / clinic is being paved.

Public Spaces Following a meeting with the N G Kerk, it has been agreed that the informal traders based in Church St will be allowed to park their vehicles on the church ground.

This will free up parking for visitors in Church Street. The construction of permanent structures for the informal traders has been delayed and will be re-budgeted in the next financial year, as the current budget has been reallocated to an urgent project in the Stellenbosch area.

Pressure has been put on the municipality to ensure that the traders are registered and their credentials are checked.

The mayor personally undertook to ensure that the toilet facility behind the informal traders is cleaned up and properly maintained in the future. This facility is especially needed by the visitors to the clinic.

Safety and Security We now have 6 of the intended 30 CCTV cameras functioning in Franschhoek and a couple more are close to being funded. Please support this project by contributing to specific cameras or to the overall project. Details can be found on the FHRPA website.

We experience persistent problems with ATM scammers in Huguenot Rd. All Star Security has volunteered to place a security guard in the vicinity of the banks (ABSA, Standard, Nedbank and FNB) between 18h00 and 21h00 each day. This is a favoured time for scammers to operate in Franschhoek. Thanks to Graham Weber for this assistance.

Peter Dimaio, Chairman of the Ratepayers Committee of the FHRPA

This is achieved through these features of membership: • Opportunities to extend compatible social contacts and maintain an interest in the topical issues of the day.

• Nurturing positive attitudes to ageing through group recreation and the sharing of information on issues of concern to Senior Citizens.

• Support in grief and illness.

• Speakers at monthly luncheons who provide a fresh mental challenge and stimulation.

• We are a-political and non-sectarian • We are mindful of the fact that costs are an important consideration. Membership fees, therefore, are kept to a minimum; while monthly luncheon costs vary.

• Probus is not a Service/Fund Raising organization.

For more information please contact Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217 pre-school to extra-mural youth leadership. Education at all levels is of paramount importance, but there are still instances where some find it hard to provide their children with school uniforms and all that goes towards placing all pupils on a level ‘platform’.

Visitors are welcome to attend our weekly 19h00 Thursday meetings at BICCCS to learn more about our local Rotary club. For more information please contact Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217.

March 2018 | 15

Letters info@franschhoektatler.co.za Dog droppings Dear Editor, I am fully aware that this is not a very pleasant topic, but I am disgusted by the increasing amount of dog poop in our streets. Front yards, driveways, entrances and the streets are abused as public toilets for dogs. And the owners and people who walk the dogs just couldn’t care less. Don’t they know that it is an offence to even walk their dogs without an appropriate number of plastic bags?

We have confronted several people who walk dogs and asked them if they had plastic bags to pick the poop up – none of them had. A lady who was walking 2 smaller dogs, looked like Spitzes, said, she doesn’t need bags, her dogs are so well trained, they only use (other people’s) front yards, never the street. Another lady, walking two Labradors, didn’t even seem to know that plastic bags to pick up poop exist. A guy walking a Rhodesian ridgeback once replied after the dog left a huge poop in the middle of the street in front of other people’s house, that it was too soft to pick it up – really?

The problem is dog owners who have their dogs walked without providing plastic bags. This is completely

ignorant, inconsiderate, illegal and a danger to our health.

It’s always the same dogs, and hopefully their owners will read this. It’s a shame that certain people must be reminded of the most basic rules of civilization.

Tim Roggenbach

Firehoses for township Dear honourable Mayor I am a concerned foreigner and also one of the thousands of people who live in informal settlements in Franschhoek. We always suffer during fires in this place. Every year we see people losing everything they have, sometimes losing their beloved ones. Thanks to the municipality because you are always there in each and every minute when we need you here, and thank you to the fire rescue team – you guys, may God bless you.

I just ask one thing of the government, if it is possible; please help us with fire extinguishers in Ndimaona township. When we go into Franschhoek town we see most places have a small room where they put the long and big hosepipe and it’s marked ‘fire extinguisher’. This helps people to help themselves before the fire rescue team arrives. If this can be installed in the small streets we have, which sometimes the fire truck can’t go into, we can all together move South Africa forward.

Sincerely, Cassim lajab

Ice show nice show

Almost time for the ice show

A group of Franschhoek school girls who do not often get the chance of going to the theatre were treated to a trip to Artscape at the end of January to see Cinderella on Ice. The eighteen girls from Franschhoek High School were accompanied by two teachers who also took on the responsibility of driving them to the city. This magical outing was made possible by the support of the Franschhoek Culture Vultures, Pieter Toerien Productions and Franschhoek High School.

It was too good a show to miss. The stage of the opera house at Artscape had been “frozen” at minus 15 degrees Celsius, to act as a skating rink for the Imperial Stars from Russia. Stunning skating feats, reminiscent of competitions in Olympic arenas and some apparently never attempted before were performed, including breath-taking high speed throws and terrifying but graceful lifts and lift sequences.

Impressive special effects included fire, rain and flying. All this hard work was done in gorgeous costumes and Cinderella lost not a glass slipper, but a shiny skating boot! Thankfully the prince found it and could fit the boot to her foot.

Some of the Franschhoek girls penned thank you notes. Reratile Mosomothone said, “Those ice skaters really entertain without speaking but with actions, and I have learned you don’t have to express yourself in words but with body action and facial expression.”

Rowmonique Keyser said, “I have never seen iceskating in real life before and was really blown away.

We all know the story line but I could tell there was a twist to it and I liked it. I would not mind to watch it again.” Sphumezo said, “It was very interesting to watch because there was no talking so you had to concentrate and keep guessing on how a certain act took place and why, very awesome. It’s not every day where you get chances to go places and experience things and with that I would love to say thank you. I really enjoyed myself.”

Van die Afrikaanse skooldogters het die volgende te sê gehad: “Ek wil vir u hartlik bedank vir die geleentheid om Cinderella on Ice te gaan kyk. Ek het dit baie geniet en ek het my skool met trots veteenwoordig. So ‘n geleentheid kan ‘n mens nie laat verbygaan nie. Dit was ‘n ongelooflike ervaring wat ek enige tyd weer sal wil ervaar,” aldus Marchonay Africa. Tania Jordaan sê, “Ek wil net baie dankie sê dat ek die voorreg kon kry om Cinderella on Ice te kyk. My gunsteling parte van die toneel was die dans van die karakters. Hulle het my laat voel ek wou saam met hulle dans. Dit was ‘n wondelike toneel. Dit is ‘n groot voorreg.”

Zhane/ Ames noem dit My Ervaring en skryf soos volg, “Ek het nog altyd maar in die koerant na die advertensie van Cinderella on Ice gekyk en myself ingedink oor hoe dit sal wees om dit te gaan kyk (maar ek’t regtig nie gedink dat ek dit werklikwaar sou kon kyk nie). Toe Juffrou Steynberg my gevra het of ek saam wou gaan het ek nie 2 keer gedink om ja te sê nie, ek was so excited!!

“Die show was awesome !! Hulle uitrustings was beautiful!!! Die diamante van Cinderella se rok het so geskitter, die stiefma se rooi uitrusting was my gunsteling. En die stiefma was by verre my gunsteling akteur op die verhoog. My tweede gunsteling was die mense met die horlosie klere aan, hulle choreografie is ongelooflik, en as hulle so deur die lug swaai, dit maak jou net meer excited om te kyk en dan voel dit ook nog asof jy dit kan doen. Dis een van die gebeure in my lewe wat ek nooit sal vergeet nie!”

Claudia Carelse het so reageer, “Ek persoonlik wil u’le bedank vir die wonderlike geleentheid wat u’le vir my gegun het om die produksie by te woon en te geniet. Ek het al baie flieks en boeke gelees en gekyk, maar hierdie produksie was besonders! Cinderella is fantasties, maar Cinderella op ys was uiters besonders.”

En ons sê almal so!

FRANCO Focus Jane Bewsey On Thursday, 2 February, FRANCO paid a visit to La Motte Bosbou, meeting at Ingrid Lappertz’ Lapland crèche.

We brought “readers” and set up a table where residents had their eyes tested and received free reading glasses donated by Westcor, who had previously donated to the people of Franschhoek. While there we also delivered bread kindly donated by BICCCS. Everyone had a happy time and was grateful for the attention.

Life is easier with glasses.

Editor’s Letter Siegfried Schäfer Dear Readers Last winter I spent a week exploring parts of the northern Karoo. Approaching from the arid west, where like in the winelands they had very little rain – even by their meagre standards, I headed towards Richmond in the summer rainfall area near the Free State border. Here they had experienced a dry summer, but their winter was as expected – dry and bitterly cold.

Despite the drought, I was struck by the barren beauty of these northern regions. Red sand, dry yellow grass genuflecting in an icy breeze, dark koppies and a cloudless, bluer-than-blue sky combined in myriad ways to constantly delight my eyes. It all confirmed to me why this part of the country can have such a profound hold on people’s hearts. I was also reminded of the joy that serendipity can bring to our harried lives, but only if you’re open to it.

I spent three days in Richmond. Hidden behind a mammoth Caltex filling station, just off the N1, most motorists simply pass it by. Unlike most motorists I was visiting Richmond for a reason that had nothing to do with the filling station. Richmond is South Africa’s only official Booktown and I was there to spend quality time in its three bookshops.

My mood didn’t need much lifting, but I was happy to learn that my lodgings – in addition to very pleasant rooms and a charming café – also had no shortage of books. Clearly the owners were fellow bibliophiles. While I was sad to discover that the owner of one of the bookshops was travelling in the Caucasus I was glad to learn that he left the keys to his two-cottage book emporium with the owners of my lodgings.

Exploring the emporium took the better part of a day. Surprises weren’t limited to what was on the shelves; I also had an unexpected visitor – made more memorable by the pre-paid electricity that had run out! Locking up the emporium to return to my lodgings I was eleven books to the good.

Unlocking the door to my room required me to put down my latest purchases. This is when a battered small paperback among the books casually scattered on a Victorian mahogany table in the foyer leading to my room caught my eye.

It was Tuesdays with Morrie, which despite all the post-Oprah’s Book Club hype I had never read. Perhaps it was even because of the hype

that I never read it. After all, how could it possibly live up to all that hype?

I entered my room, put down my purchases and went back to the foyer to have a proper look at Tuesdays with Morrie. I realised it would be a quick read and as I had another two days in Richmond decided to immediately give it a go. (I did take a break to watch Roger Federer’s Wimbledon semifinal against Tomas Berdych, though.) By the next afternoon I had finished it and concluded that it was hype-worthy. It must be the most uplifting book about dying ever published.

At the end of my Richmond sojourn I departed at the crack of dawn after, for only the third time in my life, de-icing my car’s windscreen. After a petrol stop at the filling station I headed south on the N1. The first hour or so’s driving was pleasant – the sun was barely above the horizon, the landscape was interesting and the freeway freaks weren’t out in force yet.

Things changed after Drie Susters. The landscape flattened out and progressively became more barren. The freeway freaks had also bolted from their slumber to terrorise merely mortal road users. By the time I reached Beaufort West my earlier sunny disposition had mostly dissipated and all I wanted was to get home as soon as possible.

Despite my darkened disposition I remembered that from Beaufort West to Cape Town the railway line is never too far from the N1. This reminded me of the muchloved Transkaroo Express train that used to service the Cape Town to Johannesburg route, via De Aar and Kimberley, until 1997. It also reminded me of the light-hearted eponymous 1980’s TV show about the exploits and adventures of the staff on the train. The show was also memorable for its lovely theme song

by Herman Holtzhausen and I made a mental note to look for it on iTunes.

Back home, and several months later, I stumbled upon a blog post by one Ted Botha about Premier Classe – the nearest thing to the Transkaroo Express that’s now available.

Botha’s name rang a bell and I soon discovered why. He is the author of, amongst other books, Flat/White: The strange case of a new immigrant in an old building and things going badly. Why

was this significant? Well, on my second day in Richmond that was the book I perused during breakfast thinking “I should read this someday.”

It’s now on order from Amazon.

Serendipity. It’s good to be receptive to it – you never know what interesting places it might take you to.

Until next month

Deadlines - April 2018 Issue: Ad Bookings: 15 March 2018 Artwork: 16 March 2018 Editorial: 15 March 2018

SPCA News Graeme Comrie The staff of the SPCA, Lilly, Haneley and Nathan together with some Committee members met twice in February in a Committee room donated

by Franschhoek Cellars. The meeting was called to determine the priorities for the coming year and to plan accordingly. Fund-raising and the treatment and care for the animals of the valley through the appropriate channels were again identified as the key elements to the continued “success” in the day-to-day activities of the SPCA. The meeting was professionally facilitated by Louis Gerke of The Ripple Effect. Louis, who for the past 22 years has been facilitating strategic and operational meetings in a variety of business environments, generously donated his time and expertise to the SPCA for the two days. Our thanks go to Louis and his company, The Ripple Effect, for their guidance in planning the way forward.

Lilly and Haneley recently hosted a group of children at the SPCA clinic in Groendal and used the occasion to reinforce the importance of treating animals with consideration and care. The children assisted the staff in cleaning the kennels in the SPCA and tidying the verge outside the clinic.

The annual SPCA Golf Day is scheduled for Thursday, 10 May, at the Pearl Valley Golf Course.

Joan-Anne Harris at 082 442 6545 is coordinating the event on behalf of the SPCA and would welcome your call and contribution as a player, sponsor or supporter.

As always, fundraising for the Franschhoek SPCA is a priority for the coming year. Support, either financial or in kind, is always welcome and is greatly appreciated. Should you wish to communicate with the Committee please contact either the Chairman, Graeme Comrie (graemecomrie@mweb.co.za) or the Secretary, Anne Stone (076 524 9400).

A group of youngsters visited the SPCA clinic

16 | March 2018

Cherry plums exclusive to Boschendal

Summer is fruit picking season and tractors pulling trailers with bins brim full of freshly-picked fruit are a common sight on our roads. If you spotted such a tractor near Boschendal in January you may have been witness to a bit of fruit industry history in the making. This is because Boschendal became the only farm in South Africa to commercially harvest cherry plums.

Cherry plums are a unique new fruit that is a natural cross between plums and cherries. Larger than a cherry and smaller than a plum (between 35 – 40mm in diameter), at first bite the cherry plum is sweet and spicy and then ends off with a tart and plummy finish.

At Boschendal 2 varieties were planted: Sweet Pixie 2 and Sweet Pixie 4. Both varieties originated from the Zaiger Breeding Programme in Modesto, California.

Eighty thousand trees were planted at Boschendal two years ago after Boschendal’s Jacques du Toit and Fruit Unlimited’s Jannie Marais travelled to California to evaluate the cherry plums and classified them as a unique variety. Fruits Unlimited holds the rights to the fruit in South Africa and have given Boschendal the exclusive rights to plant cherry plums in South Africa.

The cherry plums were planted using an innovative trellising system with double rows, high tree density and low tree-height. This trellising system is ideal for Boschendal’s workforce that has a high percentage of female workers as it allows for effortless pruning, thinning and picking without the use of ladders.

During the first harvest 36 tons of cherry plums (roughly 90 000 fruits) were picked.

The size of cherry plums makes them ideal for snacking and packing into lunch boxes. Gourmet chefs and home cooks also enjoy using them in recipes for pies, fruit salads and jams.

They are catalogued as a speciality ‘grazing’ option and with very small volumes available the first harvest is currently undergoing commercial trails in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Dubai and Singapore.

The cherry plums are typically sold in 300-500gr punnet packs and their colourful appearance makes for an attractive product on the shelves. Woolworths sells them as Pixies, so be sure to give them a try – if they haven’t all flown off the shelves already.

Adapted from www.boschendal.com

Local furniture manufacturers merge

April 2018 will see an exciting new business development in the village. Two well-established and reputable furniture craftsmen will merge their businesses!

Top-end designer and sofa maker Mark Bain’s The Sofa Studio will, after 15 years of trade, be merging with Stuart Douglas’s Douglasbuilt – a wooden cabinetry and furniture concern that has been crafting quality woodwork in Franschhoek and surrounds for 14 years.

There is obvious business synergy in the merger, but it is also exciting as it plays to Stuart and Mark’s respective strengths: Mark is an exceptional and experienced furniture designer and, as Stuart likes to say, “Mark is the master of the curved upholstered line!”

Stuart is an established and respected designer-maker of solid wood furniture who has been looking to diversify and enhance his offering. Apart from Stuart and Mark’s like-mindedness as makers of beautifully crafted furniture, the combination of the two businesses also provides continuity for local skilled artisans. Douglasbuilt will in future have a dedicated woodshop and woodworking staff of furniture makers, cabinet makers and frame makers as well as a professional upholstery shop with exceptional pattern makers, seamstresses and upholsterers.

“Neither Mark nor I take shortcuts,” says Stuart, “We both understand the value of proper design, outstanding craftsmanship and the importance of using the best materials.” To this end, Mark and Stuart will continue to serve their loyal clientele in the valley with their existing offering, while developing new products and services and fostering new relationships for the future. Stuart observes “this is an uncompromising merger: Douglasbuilt is committed to remaining an asset to Franschhoek. There is so much that is good about Franschhoek, so to consolidate and offer really good furniture under one (Franschhoek) roof seems to make a lot of sense.”

Stuart will direct Douglasbuilt with more of a managerial slant than he would probably like – he does try to do woodwork everyday – and Mark will consult on design and the upholstery side of the business.

Readers considering commissioning furniture, or wanting more information, are welcome to contact Douglasbuilt or The Sofa Studio, or visit the workshops on Montagne Farm on the Verdun Road.

Douglasbuilt 082 390 6465 | artdouglasworkshop@ gmail.com Sofa Studio 021 876 3426 | info@sofa-studio.co.za

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Estate and succession planning | Commercial Law Administration of estates, trusts & curatorships Engineering & Construction Law Antenuptial contracts | Conveyancing The Franschhoek Cellar Offices, Main Road, Franschhoek, 7690 Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2592 Fax: +27 (0)21 863 1495 Email: susancharlesworth.law@telkomsa.net Also at 342 Val De Vie, Paarl www.susancharlesworth.co.za

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March 2018 | 17

Business Leadership Tony Frost

Making Sense of the Confusion: A real job for real leaders

I always look forward to Alan Murray’s (CEO of Fortune magazine) newsletters. They are a veritable potpourri of information, wisdom and experiences from highly experienced high flyers.

We definitely need this kind of wisdom in the time that we are living through. In every element of our existence we are experiencing change and uncertainty of almost unprecedented proportions. Let’s take a look: Politics Almost everywhere in the world today you see uncertainty, confusion and fear. The uncertainty is invariably about the future. The confusion is about not knowing what to do about the future. And the fear is about what that future will bring. This has resulted in protests, emigration on a grand scale, a refugee crisis of massive proportions and wild volatility in global financial markets. South Africa is clearly not immune to all of these. As I write this Zuma has finally been recalled, but what does the future hold? Who is really

PSG Winelands Market View Dawid Botha

Opportunities in the global consumer goods sector

Successful long-term investing means that there are two basic aspects that need to be executed simultaneously. Implementation is critical, as per Goethe: “To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking.”

The first aspect is asset allocation. In short, one must choose to invest locally or globally in shares, gold, property, corporate or government debt. It is proven that shares should be the basis of an investment portfolio with a long-term horizon. It is important to note that other asset classes play an important role in overall portfolio construction, depending on investor requirements.

The second aspect that needs to be implemented correctly is the choice of individual investments. A field of study with many aspects in itself.

Many investors focus on the timing, i.e. “When should I buy or sell?” Warren Buffet’s advice for above average performance is to invest for the long-term rather than try to time the market. Another critical part of Buffet’s recipe for success is the importance of quality, predictable income streams. This can be found in less cyclical consumer related companies, which are a central part of a long-term portfolio.

Given the above, there are currently three lower risk consumer staples companies, which given absolute and relative valuations, offer good long-term opportunities. These companies, Reckitt Benckiser, Heineken and Unilever, are typically more defensive against weaker economic growth, since people still have basic needs irrespective of economic conditions.

Investors therefore typically favour these type of shares when the economy is lagging and less so during stronger growth periods as we are currently experiencing globally.

In my view, stronger economic growth has led to an outflow from more defensive companies to more cyclical sectors like resources, construction and banks.

Investors in Reckitt Benckiser, Heineken and Unilever, however, are not only exposed to stability based on the nature of the products that these companies sell. Investors also obtain exposure to emerging markets, which typically fare better during

holding the tiller of our country?

Society Our society has been fractured and compartmentalised for decades. It is also going to take us decades to work ourselves into something approaching a normalised integrated people.

Communities feel betrayed and let down. They feel rejected and uncared for. Poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate health facilities and the spectre of unacceptably high levels of crime hang over all of us. What can we do?

Technology The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is not coming.

It is here! Technology is increasingly dominating our lives and our lifestyle. You no longer talk to a banker, you engage with a robot and if you don’t have the right answer you go in circles (or mad, or both). It is in every piece of our lives. The change is dramatic, discontinuous and never-ending. How do we keep up?

Environment We hear more and more about climate change. We know about the drought in and around Cape Town. What about the other major environmental events that are swallowed by other “more sensational” news? News of droughts elsewhere; floods in places where floods were last seen when Noah built his Ark; and runaway fires; and earthquakes; severe snow storms; severe heat waves; and tsunamis. We could go on. Hopefully the picture is clear.

These are issues of huge impact. We as individuals can stronger global economic growth periods. Reckitt Benckiser earns 40% of revenue in emerging markets, Heineken 52% and Unilever 57%.

I have discussed Reckitt Benckiser in this column before and therefore will shortly focus on the investment merits of Heineken and Unilever.

Heineken is the world’s second largest brewer of beer with more than 300 brands of which Heineken and Amstel are the best known. Heineken was founded in 1873 and the Heineken family is still the largest shareholder. This company is a long-term investment with a multi-generational investment view where the creation of long-term value is paramount to the family.

Heineken’s revenue for 2017 was €21.9 billion. The company has a market value of €47 billion and trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 24, a price-to-cash flow ratio of 12.65, offers a dividend yield of 1.8% and a return on equity of 14.5%.

Unilever produces and markets a huge range of consumer goods and brands. Unilever’s revenue of €53.7 billion for 2017 can be split as follows among its four divisions: • Personal Care (38.5%) – brands include Dove, Axe and Vaseline.

• Home Care (20%) – brands include Omo, Domestos and Surf.

• Foods (23%) – brands include Knorr, Marmite and Colman’s.

• Refreshment (18.5%) – brands include Magnum, Lipton and Cornetto.

Unilever uses its scale not only to distribute its current portfolio of strong brands, but the company also specialises in buying niche complementary companies and taking them to further heights.

Unilever has spent about US$10 billion since 2015 on acquiring 18 smaller companies with proven concepts.

This strategy eliminates integration risks, which is typical of large acquisitions.

Unilever has a market value of €127.7 billion. It trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.2, a price-tocash flow ratio of 16, offers a dividend yield of 3.3% and a return on equity of 40%.

Dawid Botha is a portfolio manager at PSG Wealth Winelands (dawid.botha@psg.co.za).

The information in this column is the opinion of the writer and not that of PSG Konsult Group. It does not constitute financial, tax, legal or investment advice and the companies in the PSG Konsult Group do not guarantee the relevance or potential value thereof. Since individual needs and risk profiles differ, we suggest that you contact a qualified financial advisor if necessary.

Anyone can give advice, but independent advice is priceless PSG Wealth Winelands offers • • •

Portfolio management Stockbroking Investment advice

Contact us at WINELANDS | T +27 (21) 863 3770 | E dawid.botha@psg.co.za | psg.co.za Klein Amsterdam, c/o Main Road and Berg River Boulevard, Paarl PSG Wealth Financial Planning (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial services provider. FSP 728

feel helpless to do anything meaningful to make a positive contribution to change the trajectory. But every little bit does count and it begins with your mindset.

Institutions Institutions that we have come to rely on are under threat. Some have been intentionally undermined by those of ill-repute. Some have fallen almost into a state beyond repair. With what can we substitute them and what do we do in the interim?

Economy How can it be that the global economy and our major trading partners are all growing while we stagnate? This has much to do with the impact of Zuma and his cronies. We need a nation in which people have confidence. All our fundamentals show that things could turn quickly with the right political and economic leadership. Perhaps we are on the cusp of that happening, perhaps not.

What our country needs now more than ever is visionary, transformative, courageous leadership that provides us all with clarity, a clear sense of direction and a collective consciousness which focusses on all the good that exists amongst South Africans at all levels of society.

Back to Mr Murray: He convened a panel of five CEOs on the challenges of leading in an age of accelerating technological transformation. The organizations they represented were diverse –from selling motorcycles (Jason Chinnock of Ducati North America), to hosting video

(Susan Wojcicki of YouTube), to operating casinos (Mark Frissora of Caesars), to banking (Stephen Bird of Citi Global Consumer Banking) to training girls (Sylvia Acevedo of Girl Scouts USA.).

Yet they all sounded like they faced the same challenge – how to create cultures that can identify, adopt, and embrace rapid innovation.

He asked them the most important leadership lesson they had learned for managing rapid change. Frissora emphasized the importance of transparency, and Wojcicki echoed that by telling how she holds a management meeting each week at which any employee can ask her any question. Acevedo, noting her organization is largely made up of volunteers, talked of the importance of showing people respect. Bird said he works to create a workplace free from fear, so employees are willing to experiment and take risks. And Chinnock finished up by quoting this advice, which he said he heard just two days earlier: “Leadership is 35% coaching, and the rest is following. You can’t have all the answers; you have to empower others to find them.”

We have leadership potential in abundance. In my work I see it every day at every level, and from all backgrounds. We need to harness this, give these people the support they need to show the courage they have to lead. If they do this they will eliminate the confusion, give real direction and make a real difference in their part of society. This would be hugely transformative! tony@siroccostraetgy.com

Financial Matters Celia McGuinness

Directors: Watch your liquidity and solvency

Nothing is more demoralising than running into financial difficulties. Suddenly all your energies are focussed on survival rather than growing your business. The fun goes out of the organisation, rumours of retrenchment flourish and if management aren’t careful, the rumours can become self-fulfilling.

The importance of liquidity and solvency ratios Since the “new” Companies Act came into force, there has been a change of emphasis. The “old” Act considered the cornerstone of sustainability to be “capital adequacy” – acceptability amounted to your equity being positive (share capital plus retained profits).

Globalisation and technology have speeded up business cycles and have shifted modern thinking to liquidity and solvency as determinants of a company’s viability. The new Companies Act adopted this philosophy.

What are liquidity and solvency?

Liquidity measures the organisation’s ability to meet its short term liabilities over the next twelve months i.e. paying all creditors and any debt that is due in that period.

Solvency measures whether an organisation’s assets are greater than its liabilities over the next twelve months. If your liabilities exceed your assets then you usually have taken on too much debt or you are trading at a loss.

There are ratios that you can use to determine liquidity and solvency, but probably the best approach is a detailed cash flow that looks to at least the next twelve months – but usually for longer periods depending on how much confidence you place on the reasonable accuracy of the cash flows.

Part of the cash flow process is to consider all known risks and to measure the potential impact they will have on cash flow if the risks materialise. In this way you can plan for any contingencies and how you will respond to them. You can, for example, keep cash reserves to cover potential risks occurring.

Many best practice businesses do cash flows as part of their monthly financial procedures.

If the cash flows or ratios show the business is getting into cash difficulties, then you have time to react. This time is crucial as it is the

difference between controlling the process or being controlled by it.

What the Act requires, and the risk of personal liability In terms of the Companies Act, if it is likely that the company will not be able to meet its short term liabilities or will become insolvent in the subsequent six months, then the organisation needs to consider: • Going into insolvency if the situation is unsalvageable, or • Commencing business rescue proceedings.

• Remember that directors risk personal liability if they could have foreseen financial losses, but fail to initiate business rescue proceedings or declare bankruptcy.

The bottom line – be prudent!

Keep yourself informed and ensure that you are checking that liquidity and solvency tests are being performed. Ask your accountant for advice at the first sign of trouble!

18 | March 2018

with David and Jenny Hoffman, Managing Consultants at Le Ballon Rouge Guest House When and why did you start working at Le Ballon Rouge?

DH: I started working here in 1992 when Penny and Matthew Gordon were the owners. I worked for them for 8 year until they decided to sell. Both of us worked for the new owners for 2 years. Jenny then stayed on, but I decided to move and worked at different restaurants in the winelands. Came back to run this business with Jenny as management consultants and we’ve been doing this together for 12yrs.

What did each of you do before working here?

JH: When we met I worked at Boschendal. Because we wanted to see more of each other, David convinced me to come and work for the Gordons who opened a restaurant at Haute Cabrière.

DH: I started at the new Grand Roche hotel in 1990.

Here I was introduced to fine cuisine, because before this a plate of food was just something your mom dished up for dinner. Nothing wrong with mom’s cooking but I didn’t know there was more to food than Sunday roast, bredies, pasta dishes and curries.

David, why did you stop working as a chef ?

I was in the cooking business for almost 20 years and during that time I achieved a 3 year national diploma in professional cookery and was head chef.

We got married and Justin was born. We didn’t feel good about the fact that my mom was raising our children because of our working hours. Consequently when Luke was born we decided to change careers

Book Review Charlotte van Zyl

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

By Gail Honeyman Publ: Harper Collins, 287 pages.

Most thoughtful novels are about a search. A search for love, happiness, lost parents, fortune, social identity, beauty. In “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” the search is for a fulfilled, “fine” Eleanor, because the character we meet at the beginning of the novel is certainly not “completely fine.” Even though she manages to persuade herself that the life she leads is somehow bearable, we can sense the frustration that drives her to drink a couple of bottles of vodka over the weekend to be able to pass out and wake up on Monday.

What makes this marvelous novel by Gail Honeyman so remarkable is not only that it is a debut novel written at the age of 40 and that it has garnered so much praise and won so many prizes, but also that the central character is potentially a totally unremarkable figure. She is 30 years old, is an efficient and hardworking accountant in an advertising agency and is as ignorant of the

within the industry to front of house management.

We registered our management consultancy company and manage Le Ballon Rouge on a consultancy basis, giving me time to also do tour guiding work. Yes, I did wine and tour guiding courses and am a registered tourist guide. I specialize in private wine guiding.

Another reason why I stopped cooking was that after so much time in the kitchen I started losing my passion for food.

What is your favourite thing about working in the hospitality industry?

JH: I will say meeting people from all over the world.

We haven’t travelled the world, but just by talking to people I have a glimpse what the world looks like. We made lots of friends over the years and have invitations from all over the world and soon we will travel to visit friends in Ireland, Switzerland and Croatia.

What is the strangest request you have received from guests?

DH: A long time ago we had a honeymoon couple.

There were no water restrictions, but the guy requested an additional small basin or kommetjie as we say in Afrikaans. They were in a room with a shower and bath and that’s why I found the request strange. When I asked him why he needed the kommetjie he replied that he could not say. Until today I wonder what they used it for.

JH: I think they wanted to perform something special because it was their honeymoon; like washing each other’s feet as a symbol of everlasting unity.

What are some misconceptions guests have about Franschhoek or the country?

Some tourists are amazed to see the standards of our infrastructure and hospitality. They expect to see savannah grass with lots of wild animals. They are surprised at the spectacular rugged mountains, mountain slopes under vines and beautiful vegetation.

They just rave about everything, the friendliness of the people, the quality of food and wine and the good value of everything.

Jenny, you are a keen gardener, how are you coping with the water restrictions?

I must admit that I lost some expensive plants and it hurts. Right now I have hibiscus in pots, roses, duranta gold and lawn. Duranta gold is my favourite because it brightens up my garden even during the current drought. It’s an evergreen shrub with bright yellow and lime colours and it doesn’t mind the water subtleties and nuances of social intercourse as a person from Mars.

She does not understand the casual chatter and flirtations of her female colleagues, nor does she, at first, understand the relaxed, friendly advances of Ray in the IT department. The language she uses is a mixture of stuffy Victorianisms and attitudes, as if she is caught in some cultural time-warp.

There is the one startling, and unexplained, issue of the scar that disfigures her face. It obviously is related to her self-destructive behavior.

Then (as in all good novels) a life-changing event takes place. She and Ray see an elderly gentleman stumble and fall while crossing a busy street. They run over to help the injured man and Ray begins teaching Eleanor about compassion. Gradually the two Good Samaritans are drawn into the warmth of the victim’s family and she starts to understand the dynamics of affectionate family life.

The only family life she knows is the weekly telephone call from her mother who is incarcerated somewhere for some unexplained crime. The mother rants at the unfortunate daughter, belittling her and challenging her to go out and find herself a man. The implication being that the mother never had any trouble in that department.

As a result of these conversations Eleanor creates a major problem for herself. In a series of events that rather resemble the plot of a soap opera, Eleanor develops a crush on a mediocre singer in a mediocre band. She persuades herself that he is interested in her. The law of unexpected

coming from the washing machine. I also water the lawn with grey water, but the roses need care. I hope to keep them alive until the rainy season.

David, how did the Hoffman family end up in Groendal?

My parents used to live in Wemmershoek. Here, with other families, they were self-sustaining on their smallholdings where they farmed berries, vegetables and live-stock like chickens, pigs, cows and sheep.

They had to relocate when Cape Town City Council decided to build the Wemmershoek Dam. They were given land in La Motte down the Happy Valley road.

My father and older brothers were employed by the City Council to work at the Dam which was finished in 1957. My parents stayed in La Motte until 1965 when they were moved to Groendal. We were given about a hectare of land which was cut into smaller pieces as the community grew because the coloured people who lived in town were moved there. In those days land was taken without compensation.

In fact after Franschhoek became an independent municipality, all coloured owned land was taken back by the municipality. Just after my father’s death in 1976 my mother was told that she must buy her house – which my father built himself. After they took the land, four houses were built on our plot. Mom let our house until she paid it off in 1982.

How do you spend your holidays?

We are keen local tourists. We love touring down Route 62, Oudtshoorn, Garden route, Knysna, Plett and work our way towards PE. If there`s time we pop in for a weekend in Paternoster.

You currently live in Groendal; what is your biggest concern for this part of town?

I’m concerned about our youth. There is this noticeable lack of vision and ambition; our youth lacks motivation. Thanks to TV and the internet they see a lot, but they need to understand that they too can have their fair share of a good life, that with a good education you are empowered and able to earn good money. It’s as if they look at the good life thinking it’s not for them, that beautiful houses, cars, travel, good hotels, being pampered are out of their league. We need motivational speakers at school level.

We need to create a pulling force to pull them up from where they are. It’s impossible to become successful once they are hooked on drugs. I talk education in my house all the time. We have two boys; Justin is busy with IT technology, his 3rd year. Luke is in grade 8 and still has to decide between medical studies and accountancy. There is no excuse; every child with determination can make it to the top. Parents need to motivate their kids. The battle against drugs, teenage pregnancy and HIV starts at home.

consequences begins to operate and she undergoes a physical transformation, going to a cosmetician to conceal her scar, cutting her hair and buying new clothes. The reader shares in her newfound joy in life, which even results in a promotion in her job. It seems as if indeed Eleanor Oliphant is nearly, if not completely, fine.

But then the inevitable letdown occurs and her broken self-delusion results in a physical and mental breakdown. Through this penetration to a rock bottom of reality, she begins to understand the origins of her problem and the human need for connection. In an ending that is entirely nonsentimental, we can observe the rehabilitation of a young woman who has suffered the most terrible trauma as a child.

This novel about profound loneliness manages to be at the same time sad, gripping, moving and completely hilarious. What a winning combination.

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March 2018 | 19

Music Alchemy James Stewart

Matters of taste

Do you cliché? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

As a much loved family member often declares, “In matters of taste there can be no debate.” (Disclaimer: Not pertaining to interior decorating in which case there is indeed no debate, only decree). Being human we search for clues, yearn for meaning, purpose and beauty amongst the rocks and thorns for our everyday survival. In this age of information we forage for ideas to be absorbed – or rejected out of hand – considered, synthesized and then shaped and moulded into a worldview we claim as ours. Being the sum of our experiences none among us could be labelled truly original, but it could be argued that this observation and interpretation of our universe has been the defining distinction between Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens (according to the experts, ironic much?) for hundreds of thousands of years.

Unlike the laws of physics and mathematics creativity is idiosyncratic. Our individuality, in a sense, is perhaps the single asset we can truly possess – if we only choose to see it this way. Regardless of how the world views us a life lived on our own terms is perhaps the one endeavour in which achieving expert level status could be guaranteed. Pay no heed I say to the pompous declarations of the so-called experts – particularly the self-confessed ones. While technique can be

critiqued ad nauseum, the expression and experience of art is immutably subjective. It either moves you or it doesn’t; why it does is genuinely unimportant.

The true art aficionado is like that one great teacher we all had at school who was able to pierce the staid and stale classroom atmosphere to spark curiosity and fire imagination in the recesses of even the most agricultural among us, their leading questions and crumb-like clues opening doors of our understanding to stir our nascent or unwitting appreciation; that’s the dude whose drinks I’ll pay for. Every time.

That being said, I’ll fess up. I’m a snob.

I can’t listen to radio anymore. Expressed in spy novel parlance, ‘I know too much’. My insider familiarity with the digital manipulations and cheap ear-worm tricks being pulled by snake-oil salesman calling themselves music producers elicits in me a similar reaction to a McDonalds Happy Meal.

I just can’t.

Our sensibilities can be hoodwinked by added sugars, colourants and additives clinically formulated to alter our brain-states (nope, not some far-fetched conspiracy) for only so long before we start noticing the effect on our minds and bodies. And we start yearning for the authentic, fresh and real from which we’ve become so detached.

When the packaging and marketing budget exceeds that of the product itself, surely there’s something amiss? Traditional broadcast media is now an unashamed delivery mechanism for big advertising.

Together they have aided and abetted the dumbing down of organised noise which, through repetition, audiences have come to accept as the ‘new normal’ of music. There. I’ve said it. We’re worth more.

“Soli deo Gloria” Hungarian reformation exhibition

Community Events SPORT Franschhoek Cycling Club Outrides: Regular road rides on Saturday mornings from BP garage to Stellenbosch/Jonkershoek and back (75 kms) followed by coffees. Meet at 08h00, winter months, 07h00 in summer. To check times in shoulder seasons contact Paul Barkley. 083 302 9096.

Franschhoek Tennis Club: Social tennis is played at the club on Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 08h00 and on Tuesdays from 16h30. For more information contact Ross. 078 278 4843.

Parkrun: Saturdays at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate. Time: 08h00. Cost: Free. Register at www.parkrun.co.za

CHURCH SERVICES Methodist Church: Sunday service 09h00. Rev Nuno Vergueiro. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509.

NG Kerk: Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431. Besoekers welkom.

New Apostolic Church: Le Roux Street, Groendal. Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt.

Roman Catholic Church: Mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Methodist Church, Bagatelle St, 073 488 6816.

Shofar Christian Church: Services: 09h00 English service at 7 Lambrechts Street. 18h00 Afrikaanse diens by Franschhoek Rugbyklub, Groendal. Pastor Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome!

St George’s Anglican Church: Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Rector Fr Joe Humbles. 073 560 3566.

Trinity Church: Anglican Communion Service Sundays 10h00. Weekday Communion with Prayers Wednesdays 10h00. All services at L’Hermitage Chapel. Fr Gavin Mitchell. 083 799 0726.

Uniting Reformed Church: Sunday service 09h30. Dr Shaun Burrows. 021 876 2632. Visitors welcome.

ALSO ON

Franschhoek Fete: Friday, 2 March at 18h00 next to Dutch Reformed Church. Enquiries 021 876 2461 Nik Rabinowitz: Saturday, 15 April at 19h00 in aid of Franschhoek Hospice at the NG Church Hall. Tickets R200 p.p. from Colleen on 021 876 3085.

SPCA Charity Golf Day: Thursday, 10 May at Pearl Valley Golf Course. R5200 per fourball. 12h00 shotgun start. Contact Joan-Anne Harris on golf@southernstroll.com or 082 442 6545.

Book Sale and Croissants: Friday, 18 May & Saturday, 19 May at Hospice House.

The French version of the Soli deo Gloria exhibition was on display throughout that country, including in the Biblioteque de Nimes

The roll-ups also present the significance of the Parliament of Torda in 1568 which introduced religious freedom in law for the first time. They emphasize the effect of the Reformation on historiography, academic life and the enrichment of national language, literature and music. The main personalities of Hungarian Protestantism, the spiritual influence of the historical colleges, the role of some famous teachers and students and the importance of peregrination are also represented. Finally, the exhibition gives a brief overview of the history of the Hungarian Protestant Churches from the XVIII - XIX centuries, and their current activities.

Source: www.ewn.co.za

On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the five centuries of the Hungarian Reformation is currently being presented through a travelling roll-up exhibition called “Soli deo Gloria” at the Huguenot Memorial Museum. The exhibition remains in Franschhoek until 11 March 2018.

In addition to putting Protestantism into an ideological context, the exhibition presents its antecedents, the circumstances of its formation, its ecclesiastical significance, its role in Hungarian history and in the renewal of church and society. Further the exhibition shows how the Principality of Transylvania could become the centre of Protestantism during the reign of Prince Gábor Bethlen and György Rákóczi I.

20 | March 2018

Smalls

Smalls R30. Text only, maximum of 30 words Leave, with payment, at Franschhoek Pharmacy before 15th of preceding month

BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. Contact 021 876 4129 or

info@thearmchairexplorer.co.za

MASTERS STUDENT LOOKING

lady is looking for a job as a housekeeper.

HOUSE SITTERS: Janneman of

Highly

recommended

by

previous

Johan, versorg u troetels en woning

employer (Zelda Laas – 071 2172716).

wyl u weg gaan. Johan 083 305 0449 of

Performed general household duties

Janneman 082 694 5001

including cleaning, washing, ironing and child minding. Call 074 906 2874.

FOR A LIFT club that commutes to Stellenbosch from Franschhoek Monday

COMPANION NEEDED: Janneman,

to Friday. Will contribute to fuel. Contact

in his 60’s, is of sober habits and good

Dominique on 082 566 5250.

communicator. Looking for likewise 55

I’m a professional single woman seeking

to 70’s lady friend. Please sms or whats

accommodation

app 082-6945 001 or 072-6300 253

Working at a top restaurant in Fhk.

ASSISTANCE

OFFERED:

I

am

ACCOMMODATION

Non-smoker,

a caring, friendly older woman who can assist you in your house, shop or

HALF BARRELS FOR SALE: I have

office. I can run errands or drive you

8 x half wine barrels – size 50 cm deep

around. Available afternoons, evenings

and 70 cm wide, recently finished off

or weekends. 083 270 9555.

and never been used for gardening,

WANTED:

in

Franschhoek.

sober

habits,

quiet

responsible tenant. Budget R5000 p.m.

Contact 081 425 0658 CARPENTRY

JOB

WANTED:

purchased from the coopers that need a

I am Gibson Katuli, a 28-year-old

CHANGING TO A SALT WATER

home. They are a good size and height

Malawian man looking for a job in

SYSTEM? Let us advise & quote for

for veggie and herb growing. Each one

carpentry. I am hardworking and have

you! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

costs R545. Please contact Sue on 083

3 years’ experience at S&K and one

321 3442.

year at Hello Carri Furniture. If you have a position please contact me on

LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL BOOK and can’t find it? Call us at the

DUTCH

BOOKS!

Clearing

my

Armchair Explorer, we will source it for

library shelves… I have many classic

you. Contact 021 876 4129

and popular Dutch books in excellent condition. Available for free. Please

DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT

contact Charlotte on 083 391 1570

problem! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

6794 or gibsonkatuli1998@gmail.com PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND SHORT TERM LETTING service and hosting. Frans 081 858 2966 Bill 076

POOL LEAK? Loosing water all the time? Let us quote and take care of the

WhatApp: 060 406 1520, Cell: 061 248

JOB

WANTED:

RESTAURANT/

598 4099

BUSINESS/GARDEN MAINTENANCE

WORK/HOUSE

COMMERCIALLY

ZONED

RE-FIBRE GLASS YOUR POOL in

KEEPING/GENERAL WORK. I’m

NEWLY RENOVATED PROPERTY

any colour you like. Call RiaPools for a

a 27 year-old, church going Malawian

in Franschhoek for lease. Converted

quote: 072 347 5355

man. I’m honest reliable, intelligent

two-bed apartment. Fully furnished,

and experienced. References available.

own

Contact me on 062 605 1617 or 078

showroom, living, downstairs. Busy

816 6613.

location, parking on premises. Phone

PET

SITTER/HOUSESITTER/

CARETAKER. I am a responsible,

entrance

upstairs.

Office,

Bill Sargeant 0765984099.

mature woman who adores animals.

I can also supervise domestic staff,

ARE YOU BEHIND IN YOUR

pool/garden maintenance, car care etc.

BOOKKEEPING? Do you need an

TO LET: 2 bed 1 bath flat & upstairs

You can trust me with your precious

experienced person to help you get

balcony. Secure parking. DSTV. Uitkyk

pets and belongings. Franschhoek only.

things back on track? Then look no

Street. Furnished/Equipped. R11000

Contact Sue 083 270 9555.

further. Instead of living with the

p.m. Contact John 082 3744652

stress, do something about it today! I EXCESS BOOKS? Shelves creaking, moving house or just thinning out your

will assist you without breaking the bank. Contact Liz on 062 124 7348

collection? Contact 021 876 4129

TO

LET:

1

bed

farm

cottage,

including W&L. Unfurnished. R7800 p.m. Contact John 082 3744652

HOUSEKEEPING JOB WANTED: PROFESSIONAL POOL SERVICE REQUIRED? Keep it local!

Fanny Ngomba, a 38-year-old Malawian

Get a

quote. Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 POOL PUMP PROBLEMS? Noise?

We quote and help you out! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 HOUSE SITTING/CHILDCARE/ PET

SITTING/GENERAL

ASSISTANCE:

Responsible,

trustworthy, mature lady. 078 475 2710

FRANSCHHOEK’S

FOR BUILDING • GARDENING • RENOVATING SITUATED BEHIND BP GARAGE • WE SPECIALISE IN: TOOL & EQUIPMENT HIRE Brush Cutters, Lawn Mowers, Chain Saws, Concrete Mixers, Drills, Compressors, Pumps, Jackhammers SERVICING & REPAIR Light Industrial Equipment RUBBLE & REFUSE REMOVAL DELIVERIES LIGHT DOMESTIC MOVES PORTABLE LOOS CLEANING of businesses and other premises Copyright: All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part prohibited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication of editorial or advertising matter does not imply endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therin described.

always at your service

072 378 1916 or 021 876 4123 Email: onhireo@gmail.com

TASTING ROOM ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR WINE ESTATE IN FRANSCHHOEK Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Matric essential Available week days and weekends Hospitality experience Passion for the wine industry Part-time position only

Please email CV to lindy.ingram@adcorpblu.com

March 2018 | 21

FLOODLIGHTS FOR SALE

Email: floormasterstell@gmail.com

+27 (0)21 876 3640 Unit A, Fabriek Nationale No 1, 9 Fabriek street, Franschhoek 7690 herman@franschhoekelectric.co.za www.franschhoekelectric.co.za

074 313 7829

22 | March 2018

Very hard

Guardian cryptic crossword No 27,414 set by Nutmeg Cryptic Crossword

5 9

8

7

1

4

3

2

3

4

9

1

7

6

3 5

4

4

7

13 14

9

16

3 2

15

17

18

21

4

25

1 26

Grt. Drak Games Club Lions Down Stellenbosch Masonic Lodge (Chris) Franschhoek Rotary Club Franschhoek Probus Club COMPUTER SERVICES

Franschhoek IT Services Solid IT Solutions Apple Tech Support (John) Franschhoek Electric Rensburg Electrical EXCAVATIONS

Andrew Schmidt Burger Excavations

021 876 4431/082 972 5755 072 3408518

2 7 8 5 6 3 4 9 1

5 1 3 8 9 4 7 6 2

4 9 6 2 1 7 3 5 8

Clock Repairs Lighting & Accessories Ria Pools (Franschhoek) INTERNET ACCESS

Franschhoek Photolab PostNet OPTOMETRIST

Marelise Bester

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Claire Horn PLUMBERS

Franschhoek Plumbing PUBLIC SERVICES

Hospice Library Post Office Welfare (ACVV) SPCA

7 6 1 4 8 5 9 2 3

Franschhoek Pharmacy Franschhoek Health Club HOUSE & GARDEN

082 823 7119/021 876 3640 021 876 2120/083 309 2923

3 8 5 6 2 9 1 7 4

1 7 2 6 8 9 5 3 4

2 1 5 3 9 6 8 4 7

6 4 3 8 7 5 1 9 2

9 8 7 2 4 1 6 5 3

8 5 4 7 6 3 9 2 1

7 9 1 5 2 4 3 8 6

3 2 6 9 1 8 4 7 5

Magic Sudoku

1 6 4 2 8 3 5 9 7

2 7 8 5 9 6 4 1 3

5 9 3 1 4 7 8 2 6

3 4 1 6 5 8 9 7 2

8 5 9 3 7 2 1 6 4

7 2 6 9 1 4 3 5 8

6 3 5 4 2 9 7 8 1

4 1 7 8 6 5 2 3 9

9 8 2 7 3 1 6 4 5

0733121265 for consultations

082 356 0226 084 015 8808 081 361 7228

021 876 2261 021 876 3310

6 1 8 9 4 2 3 7 1 6 8 5

ELECTRICAL

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Groendal Secondary School Wes-Eind Primary School Dalubuhle Primary School

021 876 2211 021 876 2360 021 876 3957

Franschhoek Storage

021 876 2174

Info Office Winelands Experience Huguenot Memorial Museum

021 876 3603 021 876 4042 021 876 2532

STORAGE

TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES

TRANSPORT GOODS

Gerald Fourie VETERINARY

021 876 2940/082 821 5234

Franschhoek Animal Clinic (plus surgery) 021 876 2504 Emergencies/Weekends 021 863 3187 or 082 8089 100 EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Stellenbosch Fire Dept. (Buildings on fire) 021 808 8888 Cape Winelands Distr.Muni. (Bush & veld fires) 021 887 4446

021 886 9244 Police 10111/021 876 8061 Eskom 086 003 7566 Omnipage Farm Watch 021 852 3318 Plaaswag 021 876 2346 N1, N2 & R300 Emergency number: 021 946 1646 DENTISTS

Dr Schalk du Plessis Dr Rob Hammer

021 876 3070 021 876 2634

028 840 1716 021 876 3640 021 876 2612/072 347 5355

Dr Karin Eksteen Dr Shelley Hellig Dr Alexander Heywood Dr Hannes Van der Merwe Dr Nicolas Els

021 876 4622 021 871 1063 021 876 2474 021 876 2304 021 876 2561

021 876 3921 021 876 3025 021 872 3530

Audiologist Tracy-Ann Morris

084 264 0000

021 876 4234/082 582 1029 021 876 3759 021 876 3085 021 808 8406 021 876 2342 021 876 2670 021 876 4808

DOCTORS

AUDIOLOGIST

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE

Medicare EMR MUNICIPALITY

074 363 7744/021 876 4316

(Ward 1) Councillor Frazenburg (DA) (Ward 2) Councillor Petersen (DA) (Ward 3) Councillor Manuel (DA) (Ward 4) Councillor Johnson (DA) Municipality (Office Hours) Municipality (afternoon only) Municipality 24hr Service

021 808 8490 082 404 5055 074 686 2364 021 808 8019 021 808 8700 021 808 8890 021 808 8700

summit (4) 24 Wear black uniform during early 6 9 1 7 8 5 4 2 3 2 7 3 8 9 1 4 5 6 hours (5) 3 Shed 4 8 faction 9 2 1 5 7 6 6 9 8 5 23 7 Cryptic 4 1 3 concerning 2 (4) 25 Father abandons French car Very hard Easy carrying one dish (9)

Solutions

REPRE S S B I RCHED E E T A R E O R FORTOF F EE PARKA I G N E A O A F TOOK S T I C K S A T I T L T Y H I I E QA T AR I OUT VOT E R N F O SUS TA I N PURE S T A A D U R Y E B O DM I NMO O R C R O P B N D B M J V R A H E A D E P I T OM I S E T S L R S B L E HAS TENS EAS TERN

peculiar nervous system has deep rooted sympathy towards others and you should allow expressing those

Down Update troops before attack (5) 11Update troops before attack (5) 2 account traveller 2 AnAn account traveller set, up set, up providing support for(7) climbers (7) providing support for climbers 3,21 Liberal prone to adopting 3,21 Liberal prone to adopting Conservative (4,4) Conservative hairstylehairstyle (4,4) Crowd security?

44 Crowd security?

(6,2,7) (6,2,7) Case based on word 5 5Case based on word of chap,oforchap, or chaps, I’m involved (6,2,7) chaps, beforebefore I’m involved (6,2,7) 6 6Treasury theatre put on old Treasury theatre putromance on old withromance current investment (10) with current 7 Hisinvestment friend has Hamlet’s (10) first speech abridged (7) 8 7Doctor gets a payment covering first His friend has Hamlet’s timespeech he has toabridged serve in US(7) (7) 138Tense liar added nonsense (10) Doctor gets aridiculous payment covering 16 Rebellious graduates wash time he has to serve in US (7) thoroughly one day a week (7) 13 Tense liar added ridiculous 17 Injured Danes coming aboard in gloom (7) nonsense (10) 19 Abject drunk lives without ever losing heart (7) 16 Rebellious 22 What diver maygraduates do with bill,wash thoroughly one on cutting pound (5) day a week (7) 17 Employment Injured Danes aboard(4)in 23 from coming IT entrepreneur? gloom (7) 19 Abject drunk lives without ever losing heart (7) 22 What diver may do with bill, on SCHOOLS cutting pound (5) Bridge House School 021 874 8100 23 Employment IT Franschhoek High School from

021 876 2079 entrepreneur?

Groendal Primary School (4) 021 876 2448

Down 3 5 2 1 Drug dealer and pacifist? Not if 4 7 9 nursing wound (10) 1 7 9 5 Asian 4 3 2 Plans day writing about one 2 8 6 city (8) 8 2in 5 3 What’s applied during period 4 3 1 ER (6) 9 6 7 4 Plant on its own, name missing

5 6 8 4 3 2 7 1 9

Sudoku #4588

021 874 1906 021 876 3775 072 211 9991 082 773 9217 021 876 3179

Medium

4 3 9 1 5 7 2 6 8

robert.vedicastrology@gmail.com

7 1 9 5 4 2 6 8 3

2

Useful Numbers

8 5 2 3 9 6 1 4 7

8

Solution of Sudoku #4588

4

5

4 3 6 1 8 7 9 2 5

3

1 7 3 8 6 9 2 5 4

9

2 9 4 7 5 3 8 1 6

1

6 8 5 4 2 1 7 3 9

7

5 6 7 2 3 8 4 9 1

6

3 2 1 9 7 4 5 6 8

Aries, 21 March – 19 April: Mars still in Sagittarius has the effect that you will assert and defend your ideas and beliefs, that you consider true and important; whatever is necessary. The problem is to avoid identifying your ego with what you believe.

Others do not have to believe exactly as you do. By rising above your facts, you will touch reality.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: The exaltation of Venus in Pisces indicates an unusual degree of selflessness in love. If you cannot serve with a true spirit of selfless devotion, rather do nothing and it will be less harmful.

What you may lack in pleasure will establish spiritual satisfaction that you have done all that you can.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: Mercury, the ruler of this asterism, is moving from watery Pisces to the fire of Aries. This is a good time for expressing your point of view to people. You will come across more authentically. Be careful when you jump from issue to issue too rapidly, that it will confuse people around you.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: Your vivid imagination and sensitivity have a tenacious twist which is often too political and reflecting the ebb and flow of some idol or club, which you take very personally. Actions and sensations have the tendency to be prejudiced, which is very limiting and cramps most visions. The shade adds to the light, as zero adds to the figure.

Leo, 23 July – 22 August: The Sun in Pisces is 8 constellations away from Leo and indicates the fixed fire qualities of pride, passion and ambition are in the mutable water element and looking for sympathy and impressionable resonance with tactful persistence. The sin of the virtuous is a virtue; the virtue of the sinner is a sin.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: Do not conceal yourself behind a cold or matter-of-fact exterior. Your

Across Across 1 Check those printing religious tracts? (7) 1 Check those printing 5 Beaten revolutionary featured religious in flyer (7) tracts?

(7) 9 How sugar can be used, if at all? (3,6) Beaten revolutionary featured(5) in 105Chest protected by father’s waterproof flyer (7) 11 Brought books back on approval (4) How sugar can bea used, if (6,2,2) at all?

129Perseveres and catches little bird (3,6) 14 Gulf national sounding full of cold (6) 10Brexiteers Chest protected by father’s 15 asking for this defeatwaterproof on polling day(5) (7) 16 from America soil (7) 11Bear Brought booksdigging back into on approval 18 Most utter support after turning up (6) (4) 20 Bloke gets the way things are done 12 Perseveres and catches a little in small part of Cornwall (6,4) bird (6,2,2) 21 3 national sounding full of 14See Gulf 24 Each individually at an advantage (5) cold (6) 25 Sum up chapter cut from historic 15 Brexiteers asking for this defeat volume one’s penned (9) on polling day (7) 26 Speeds up in speech, as ten strikes (7) 16 Bear from Americalike digging 27 Oriental crane ultimately seabirdinto (7) soil (7) 18 Most utter support after turning up (6) 20 Bloke gets the way things are done in small part of Cornwall (6,4) 21 See 3 ACCOUNTANTS 24 Each individually at an advantage Tax Shop 021 876 2676 (5) ATTORNEYS Susan25 Charlesworth chapter 021 2592/072 402 9469 Sum up cut876from historic Snipelisky & Killian 083 250 0943/021 876 2084 BURGLARvolume ALARMS one’s penned (9) Speeds up in speech, as ten Pepler26 Alarms

021 876 3308 CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS strikes (7) Boland Bridge Club 021 876 3031 27 Oriental crane ultimately078 like Franschhoek Tennis Club

278 4843 seabird (7) Franschhoek Trust & RPA 021 876 3460

9 4 8 6 1 5 3 7 2

Robert Rittel Magic Sudoku

fine instincts to keep up that equilibrium very logical, then your mental working capacity is extra ordinary.

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: If you spend most of your intentions in prying into other people’s affairs and picking them to pieces, you only express your own insecurities and delusions. This will vacillate and delays your decisions until it is too late. Subtle ideas are best expressed simply. Love that does not endure is an illusion of the heart.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: Jupiter in this sign is a good time for shared resources, such as business partnerships or a loan from a bank. It is helpful as well in all psychological stresses and provides a healing process. It’s a time of spiritual regeneration, or even some conversion experience.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: Mars in the sign of mutable fires has the power and energy to expand the mind. It will open new dimensions of reality instead of wasting those energies on defending your ideas. Morality is a flower which springs out of the plant of individuality and reaches beyond the limit of your comprehension.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: Saturn in its own place likes to gain responsibilities and leadership. Negative energies and unethical conduct that you have unleashed in the past will have its consequences now. The wise man can say more in few words, than all the preachers in thousand words.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: This is a time for team efforts, which can be effective only if everyone on the team is a fully realised individual. Your idealism is aroused at this time, but you should get in touch with your subconscious mind. Try to see how your actions may run counter to your conscious intention.

Pisces, 19 February - 20 March: The Sun in this asterism creates unintentional ego issues. This is not a good time to be wrapped up in circumstances that you refuse to face and acknowledge your faults. The fear of self recrimination will create circumstances where you are not even aware that they working against you.

27

c ⃝2005-2018 http://www.PrintSudoku.com

Jyotish Vedic Astrology

22

23

8 24

2

19

20

5

8

12

6 7

7

2

4

9

6

10

11

1

5

Solution No. 27,414

March 2018 | 23

24 | March 2018

Winelands

Exper ts in home finance.

March 2018 | 25

26 | March 2018

March 2018 | 27

R5 950 000

Light contemporary new home This recently completed beautiful modern home has just come onto the market for sale. Situated high up on the FranscheHoek Estate it offers state of the art living with breathtaking views. Comprising large open plan double volume Lounge/dining room/kitchen with wood burning closed fireplace. There is a protected internal courtyard which has a braai and entertainment area with teak wooden screens ensuring complete privacy from neighbours. The separate TV lounge leads off the formal lounge and opens up onto the Pool and entertainment area with glass fold back doors and incredible views down the valley. To the one side of the pool is a beautiful wooden gazebo for protection of those super-hot summer days.The entire home is tiled throughout and the bathrooms have marble finish tiles on the walls and floors. The Kitchen counter topsare finished with Caesar Stone and there is a SMEG Gas/electric stove and extractor. The Scullery is separate with outside door. The Geyser is gas which ensures a constant supply of instant hot water. There is a staff toiletThe double garage opens directly into the house and has a screededfloor. This property is priced to sell at R5950000 so don’t miss out call to appoint to view today.This recently completed beautiful modern home has just come onto the market for sale. Situated high up on the FranscheHoek Estate it offers state of the art living with breathtaking views.Comprising large open plan double volume Lounge/dining room/kitchen with wood burning closed fireplace. There is a protectedinternal courtyard which has a braai and entertainment area with teak wooden screens ensuring complete privacy from neighbours. The separate TV lounge leads off the formal lounge and opens up onto the Pool and entertainment area with glass fold back doors and incredible views down the valley. To the one side of the pool is a beautiful wooden gazebo for protection of those super-hot summer days.The entire home is tiled throughout and the bathrooms have marble finish tiles on the walls and floors. The Kitchen counter topsare finished with Caesar Stone and there is a SMEG Gas/electric stove and extractor. The Scullery is separate with outside door. The Geyser is gas which ensures a constant supply of instant hot water. There is a staff toilet. The double garage opens directly into the house and has a screeded floor. This property is priced to sell at R595 0000 so don’t miss out call to appoint to view today.

Janice Hicks 072 991 6272 janice.hicks@rawson.co.za

R30 000 p/m

Light contemporary new home This stunning Contemporary home is situated on the delightful Fransche Hoek Estate and has the most magnificent unobstructed views over the valley. Comprising 4 beds 4, the main bedroom ensuite has a walk in dressing room and full bathroom with double showers and “non-misting” mirrors as a super added feature. The second bedroom has a full ensuite bathroom while the other 2 bedrooms have shower basin & toilet ensuite. The gourmet Kitchen is finished in two tone neutral colours and has top of the range finishes which complement the open plan living areas. The open plan living area has stunning views out of the numerous windows and balconies on either side of the sitting room, which has a slow burning wood fireplace. There is a feature wine cellar enclosed with double glass doors.

There is underfloor heating on the entire top floor together with climate control air conditioners throughout. There is a double garage and a very private pool with outside cloakroom/storeroom. Available immediately.

ERF SIZE : 450m² HOUSE SIZE : 410m²

R 2 250 000

Lérmitage Beautifully furnished 1 bedroom villa can be used for the exclusive use of the owner, or added to the hotel pool to generate an income. The French inspired Village of Franschhoek has a lot to offer, making this accommodation very desirable by tourists.

Good investment not to be missed!

1 bedrooms • 1 bathrooms • Building size : 108m_ • Levy : +-R1 377.61 pm Rates: R 1273.00

Janice Hicks 072 991 6272 janice.hicks@rawson.co.za

28 | March 2018

F RA N S C H H O E K FRANSCHHOEK Office: 021 876 2100 | winelandsint@pamgolding.co.za | pamgolding.com/franschhoek

Ref# FWI1317249

Franschhoek / R69 million Bedrooms 7 / Bathrooms 7 / Garages 2 / CONSUMMATE MASTERPIECE SOLE MANDATE – Luxurious masterpiece, stunningly designed with neutral finishes, and located in a prime elevated position in the Fransche Hoek Estate. Offering seven suites and grand communal living. With sweeping views of the beautiful valley from the oversized glazed panels that slide effortlessly into the walls creating even further synergy with the dramatic surroundings.

Jeanine Allen 082 410 6837 / Doug Gurr 072 610 72085

Ref# FWI1356475

Ref# FWI1346532

Franschhoek / R3.75 million

Franschhoek / R3.8 million

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 1 / DELIGHTFUL COTTAGE SOLE MANDATE – Charming three bedroom cottage located in a gated cul-de-sac in a quiet position in Franschhoek Village. Open plan kitchen, lounge and diner. A delightful and affordable property in the jewel of the winelands.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 1 / LIGHT AND BRIGHT SOLE MANDATE – Beautiful cottage in a gated estate. Open-plan lounge with environmentally-friendly Morso fireplace, wooden floors and high ceilings. This lovely property can be used either as a full-time home or the perfect lock-up-and-go.

Jeanine Allen 082 410 6837 / Doug Gurr 072 610 7208

Shelly Schoeman 083 301 8833

Ref# FWI1353654

Ref# FWI1358039

Franschhoek / R5.25 million

Franschhoek / R5.75 million

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 1 / FRANSCHHOEK FLAIR SOLE MANDATE - This charming Franschhoek property is located in a quiet part of the village but within easy walking distance. French doors opening to the garden and undercover patio, and a swimming pool with mountain views, complete this lovely home.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / PICTURE POSTCARD COTTAGE SOLE MANDATE - Beautiful, renovated cottage set within the sought-after Franschhoek Village. Two bedrooms are en-suite, with brand new shower rooms. Stunning garden with newly-laid high-quality Astro-Turf grass creating a water-wise exterior. Price includes all furniture, fittings, equipment and alarm system.

Shelly Schoeman 083 301 8833

Jeanine Allen 082 410 6837 / Doug Gurr 072 610 7208

March 2018 | 29

Pniel

R 1 150 000

VilleFranche

R 5 100 000

321102 FANTASTIC VISTAS Set on the foot of the Simonsberg between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. This 2075 sqm plot has immense opportunities and amazing views. Create your own dream home on the mountainside.

Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 Garage 1 Parking 1 457074 A TOWNHOUSE TREASURE Extremely rare to the market! An immaculate double storey townhouse located seconds from the hustle and bustle of vibrant Franschhoek village. This exceptional property offers two comfortable en-suite bedrooms, both with balconies, and a spacious open-plan lounge with gas fireplace, dining area and fully fitted kitchen.

Lovely covered verandah and pool.

Tania Van Deemter 076 726 2873 & Marianne Van Der Merwe 082 921 3248

Tania Van Deemter 076 726 2873 & Marianne Van Der Merwe 082 921 3248

Franschhoek Valley

R 6 500 000

Pearl Valley

R 9 750 000

Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 5 Garages 2 Parkings 2

452764 A STUNNING GEM A stunning and secluded home set on a smallholding of 5082 sqm with exquisite views, rolling lawns and lime orchards with income. This wonderful property is ideally located close to Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The reception area leads to a vine-covered stoep, overlooks the pool and has distant mountain views.

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2,5 Garages 2 Parkings 4 457878 SOPHISTICATION AND ELEGANCE ON THE LAKE Pearl Valley offers refined estate living with one of the country's top golf courses as a back garden.

This gracious home is in class of its own offering opulent luxury at every turn. Generously proportioned open-plan living areas make stylish entertaining as easy as it is living in this sought-after estate. The custom built-in kitchen with top appliances has a walk-in pantry and separate scullery.

Tania Van Deemter 076 726 2873 & Marianne Van Der Merwe 082 921 3248

Kevin Layden 082 300 9446 & Esmé Wildman 083 307 8039

L'Avenue

R 18 500 000

Equestrian Stud Farm

R 83 000 000

Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6,5 Garages 2 Parkings 4 457446 FULLY FURNISHED LUXURY HOME IN L'AVENUE DE FRANSCHHOEK SECURITY ESTATE Nestled in this much bespoke estate with majestic views of the Franschhoek Mountains and countryside, is this elegant yet relaxed home offering opulent luxury at every turn. Set on a 4400 m² plot, which incorporate an olive and lavender grove. This contemporary masterpiece with quality finishes, air conditioners, underfloor heating and wood burning fireplaces, is the definition of form, function and enlightened thinking.

Bedrooms 17 Bathrooms 13 Garages 9 458413 A TRULY UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN THE HEART OF THE UPPER FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY This luxurious upmarket 24ha equestrian lifestyle estate is located in the heart of the upper Franschhoek Valley, a mere 2 kilometres from the world famous Franschhoek Village, and is surrounded by three Nature Reserves. It commands breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding mountains and offers complete privacy and tranquillity. Asking price excludes VAT.

Kevin Layden 082 300 9446 & Esmé Wildman 083 307 8039

Kevin Layden 082 300 9446

30 | March 2018

Local expertise, national presence and international audience

FRANSCHHOEK

R10 500 000

LARGE 3/4BEDROOM HOUSE IN A QUIET VILLAGE LOCATION This property has generous open-plan living spaces, a contemporary kitchen opening onto garden with swimming pool. Features an outside meditation / jacuzzi room which flows onto decked braai area. Exclusive Instruction.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

FRANSCHHOEK

WEB: 199744

R5 500 000 EXCL VAT

THREE BEDROOM COTTAGE, SITUATED IN THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE OF FRANSCHHOEK. Recently renovated property features 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Spacious open plan kitchen and living/dining room and a separate study. There is a covered verandah, stunning mountain views and a small plunge pool. Double garage & off street parking.Exclusive Instruction.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

WEB: 202184

FRANSCHHOEK

R5 950 000

FIVE BEDROOM VILLAGE HOME WITH HUGE POTENTIAL Set on a large corner plot close to the high street.The house is in great condition. Little investment needed to bring it up to date. Exclusive instruction.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

FRANSCHHOEK

R5 950 000

THREE BEDROOM FAMILY HOME Recently completed 3-bedroom, 3 bathroom home with large barn-style open-plan kitchen, dining and living room, private dining courtyard and enclosed family sun-room with uninterrupted north-facing views, a swimming pool and double garage.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

Head Offi ce ce Franschhoek Offi 29 Autumn Rivonia, 7690 23 Huguenot Street,Street, Franschhoek, JHB,876 21913322 +27 (0)21 +27 (0)11 234 6545 franschhoek@fi neandcountry.com support.sa@fineandcountry.com

Park Lane Office 119/121 Park Lane, London, W1 +44 (0)207 079 1515 admin@fineandcountry.com

WEB: 203562

FRANSCHHOEK

WEB:175245

R15 990 000

CONTEMPORARY HOME ON SECURE ESTATE Stunning, architectural masterpiece, six bedrooms en-suite, designer kitchen, dining area, TV lounge, and double garage and swimming pool.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114 Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 WEB: 202662

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